'I can't wait to be back': Retired sport analyst returns to the desk!
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The Australian Football League (AFL) is a spectacle for sport fans across the country.
More than the competition, analysts and commentators make the sport an immersive experience, especially when things get tough on the field.
In a move that has sent ripples of excitement among sport fans, the iconic voice of AFL is back again to bring AFL to life once again.
AFL commentator and analyst Bruce McAvaney announced his surprising return to Channel Seven's AFL coverage.
This news came as a delightful shock to fans and industry insiders alike.
Bruce McAvaney's career spanned decades, with his voice becoming synonymous with some of the most memorable moments in AFL history.
McAvaney initially turned the towel—or the microphone—in February 2021.
His retirement marked the end of an era and left a void in the hearts of many footy enthusiasts.
However, the legendary broadcaster's passion for the game has reignited, which has led to this unexpected but warmly welcomed comeback.
'The opener was not a problem, and I umm-ed and aah-ed for a few days, went and had a chat with them, and they asked me to do the Prelims and the finals, and I loved it,' McAvaney shared in an interview when asked about his return to the desk.
'I hadn't done it for four years, and when you're not working at something like that, you still follow it, but it's a very different knowledge and different IQ that you need to have.'
Bruce McAvaney called over 1000 AFL games, including 20 grand finals matches.
McAvaney also hosted 21 Brownlow Medal ceremonies.
His expertise and enthusiasm earned him a place in the Australian Football Hall of Fame and the Sport Australia Hall of Fame.
'I've always had a deep passion for the game, but returning to the 7AFL team for the 2024 finals series reminded me just how much I love being part of it,' McAvaney enthusiastically shared.
'I can't wait to be back alongside Seven's outstanding football team in a hosting role for the 2025 season.'
McAvaney's decision to return to the AFL commentary team was a testament to his enduring love for the game.
Bruce McAvaney was inducted in the AFL Hall of Fame in 2023. Watch the AFL's tribute video for him here:
Source: AFL/YouTube
'I'm 71, and my health is going well, so I hope I'm involved, but it's still not working out. We're going to have these discussions in the next week or two.'
His return on stage could also be an inspiration to seniors everywhere, proving that age is not a barrier when it comes to pursuing one's passions.
Meanwhile, the sport broadcasting landscape continues to evolve.
Alongside McAvaney's return, Fox Footy bolstered its lineup with the addition of footy legend Leigh Matthews and other esteemed commentators like Tom Hawkins and Shaun Burgoyne.
The competition between networks is on, with 2025 marking the first time Seven and Fox Footy have separate commentary teams calling the action on the field.
Bruce McAvaney's return was more than just a career move; it is also a celebration of the enduring spirit of Australian Rules Football.
What are your favourite Bruce McAvaney moments from back in the day? How do you feel about his return to AFL broadcasting? Share your thoughts and memories in the comments below, and let's revel in the anticipation of what the 2025 AFL season has in store!
More than the competition, analysts and commentators make the sport an immersive experience, especially when things get tough on the field.
In a move that has sent ripples of excitement among sport fans, the iconic voice of AFL is back again to bring AFL to life once again.
AFL commentator and analyst Bruce McAvaney announced his surprising return to Channel Seven's AFL coverage.
This news came as a delightful shock to fans and industry insiders alike.
Bruce McAvaney's career spanned decades, with his voice becoming synonymous with some of the most memorable moments in AFL history.
Bruce McAvaney received his Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) in 2002. Image Credit: AFL
McAvaney initially turned the towel—or the microphone—in February 2021.
His retirement marked the end of an era and left a void in the hearts of many footy enthusiasts.
However, the legendary broadcaster's passion for the game has reignited, which has led to this unexpected but warmly welcomed comeback.
'The opener was not a problem, and I umm-ed and aah-ed for a few days, went and had a chat with them, and they asked me to do the Prelims and the finals, and I loved it,' McAvaney shared in an interview when asked about his return to the desk.
'I hadn't done it for four years, and when you're not working at something like that, you still follow it, but it's a very different knowledge and different IQ that you need to have.'
Bruce McAvaney called over 1000 AFL games, including 20 grand finals matches.
McAvaney also hosted 21 Brownlow Medal ceremonies.
His expertise and enthusiasm earned him a place in the Australian Football Hall of Fame and the Sport Australia Hall of Fame.
'I've always had a deep passion for the game, but returning to the 7AFL team for the 2024 finals series reminded me just how much I love being part of it,' McAvaney enthusiastically shared.
'I can't wait to be back alongside Seven's outstanding football team in a hosting role for the 2025 season.'
McAvaney's decision to return to the AFL commentary team was a testament to his enduring love for the game.
Bruce McAvaney was inducted in the AFL Hall of Fame in 2023. Watch the AFL's tribute video for him here:
Source: AFL/YouTube
'I'm 71, and my health is going well, so I hope I'm involved, but it's still not working out. We're going to have these discussions in the next week or two.'
His return on stage could also be an inspiration to seniors everywhere, proving that age is not a barrier when it comes to pursuing one's passions.
Meanwhile, the sport broadcasting landscape continues to evolve.
Alongside McAvaney's return, Fox Footy bolstered its lineup with the addition of footy legend Leigh Matthews and other esteemed commentators like Tom Hawkins and Shaun Burgoyne.
The competition between networks is on, with 2025 marking the first time Seven and Fox Footy have separate commentary teams calling the action on the field.
Bruce McAvaney's return was more than just a career move; it is also a celebration of the enduring spirit of Australian Rules Football.
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