Bruce McAvaney news sends AFL fans into frenzy as commentary legend returns for finals
The 71-year-old hasn't worked an AFL game for Channel 7 in four years.
AFL fans have reacted with delight after it emerged on Monday that Bruce McAvaney will be part of Channel 7's coverage for the last three games of the season. McAvaney hasn't commentated an AFL game since he scaled back his commitments in 2020, deciding to focus on horse racing and athletics alone.
But it was revealed on Monday that McAvaney will return to Channel 7's coverage of the preliminary finals this weekend, and the grand final in two weekends' time. The 71-year-old won't be commentating, but will be hosting the network's coverage of the three biggest games of the season.
βThe AFL Grand Final is the greatest Saturday in Australian sport,β McAvaney said in a statement. βAnd when I was asked a couple of weeks ago to be involved in a hosting role, there was a lot to consider. But the overwhelming sentiment was, how exciting it would be to be involved.
βJust think about whatβs happened over the weekend β two semi-finals for the ages. (Thatβs) extraordinary, in a season thatβs produced more excitement, more entertainment and more upsets than any in recent memory. Look what weβre facing now. Four teams from four states and that hasnβt happened since 2005. Honestly, who knows whatβs going to happen in these last three matches for 2024. I canβt wait to get to the SCG for Friday when it all starts.β
McAvaney stepped away from AFL commentary duties in 2020 as he scaled back his media commitments. He's maintained a regular role in Channel 7's coverage of horse racing and big athletics meets, and also acted as host for the network's coverage of the FIFA Women's World Cup last year.
Seven West Media chief executive Jeff Howard said McAvaney is βa living legend and the best sports broadcaster of our generationβ. He added: βHe is part of the fabric of Seven and we are honoured that he is returning to our 7AFL coverage for the biggest three games of the season.β
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The commentary legend wasn't part of the TV coverage of the recent Paris Olympics, due to the fact Channel 9 had the broadcast rights. But he secured a last-minute spot on ABC radio, meaning listeners could still hear his voice.
βItβs been nearly four years since I was last involved in broadcasting AFL,β he said. β2020 was a year like no other - still battling Covid lockdowns and calling most of those matches remotely in the Channel 7 boardroom in Adelaide, with BT (Brian Taylor) and the crew in Melbourne.
βThat yearβs Grand Final at the Gabba was on Cox Plate day. A hectic day β a very good one for the Tigers, winning their third flag in four seasons, and for Dusty Martin, who became the first player to win the Norm Smith on three occasions. I didnβt realise that would be my swansong. But a few weeks later (I) came to the decision that the time was right to stop calling football.β
Fans were delighted to learn he'll be back hosting Channel 7's coverage of the prelims and grand final. McAvaney will kick off his return when Sydney host Port Adelaide on Friday night, and will also host Seven's coverage of the Geelong v Brisbane clash on Saturday night.
Are you serious? I love this guyβs voice.
CLEVERRRRRRRR
say Bruce say cleverrrr π€ͺβ TraderGoodman (@TraderGoodm4n) September 15, 2024
Special
β Billy Carruthers (@BillyCarruther3) September 15, 2024
Thank God the greatest of all time is back to pick up the standard of horrific commentary and special comments.
β WayneMcInerney (@waynemcinerney1) September 15, 2024
This is the greatest thing Iβve ever seen
β Sam (@Sour_RL) September 15, 2024
Would love him behind the mic but this is great π
β Fraser (@FraseSmith7) September 15, 2024
Awesome! The best caller I've listened to. Super memory of sports stats
β razzle dazzle πΊπ¦π¦πΊ (@gdphealth) September 15, 2024
Make it permanent!
β Cameron B (@Cbarresi1) September 15, 2024