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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.

sam goodwin
Sports Editor
·4-min read

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.

Bruce McAvaney.
Bruce McAvaney hasn't worked an AFL game since 2020. Image: Getty

“The AFL Grand Final is the greatest Saturday in Australian sport,” McAvaney said in a statement. “And 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.

“Just think about what’s happened over the weekend – two semi-finals for the ages. (That’s) extraordinary, in a season that’s produced more excitement, more entertainment and more upsets than any in recent memory. Look what we’re facing now. Four teams from four states and that hasn’t happened since 2005. Honestly, who knows what’s going to happen in these last three matches for 2024. I can’t wait to get to the SCG for Friday when it all starts.”

Bruce McAvaney, pictured here before an AFL game in 2020.
Bruce McAvaney looks on prior to an AFL game in 2020. (Photo by Ryan Pierse/Getty Images)

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 “a living legend and the best sports broadcaster of our generation”. He added: “He 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.”

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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.

“It’s been nearly four years since I was last involved in broadcasting AFL,” he said. “2020 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.

“That year’s Grand Final at the Gabba was on Cox Plate day. A hectic day – 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 didn’t 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.”

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.