"Living legend": Bruce McAvaney makes the best call in sports history
In breaking news that has AFL fans across Australia leaping from their couches with unbridled joy, legendary broadcaster Bruce McAvaney is officially back in the Channel 7 commentary box for the 2025 season!
Yes, you heard that right. The man, the myth, the vocal magician who can make a standard half-forward flanker look like an Olympic gold medallist is returning to bless our ears once again.
On Wednesday, Seven confirmed that the Australian Football Hall of Famer and Sport Australia Hall of Fame inductee will headline the network’s AFL coverage on Sunday nights and for marquee matches. Translation? Footy just got 100 per cent more special.
For those unfamiliar with McAvaney’s illustrious career (aka, people who have spent the last three decades living under a rock), the 71-year-old maestro has called over a thousand AFL games, 20 AFL Grand Finals, and hosted 21 Brownlow Medal nights – an incredible feat that makes even the most seasoned commentators look like they’re still on their learner’s permit.
McAvaney, who originally retired from AFL commentary in 2021, sent the nation into a frenzy when he made a thrilling cameo in the 2024 AFL Finals. The brief return had fans (and possibly a few rival broadcasters) whispering, "Could he? Would he? Should he?!" Well, the answer is a resounding YES.
Reflecting on his return, McAvaney shared, “I was concerned that I wouldn’t be able to hold my end up, but I enjoyed it and loved it... I’m 71 and my health is going well.” In other words, the GOAT of AFL commentary wasn’t just dipping his toes back in the water – he was cannonballing right back into the deep end.
Seven’s Head of AFL and Sport Innovation, Gary O’Keeffe, described McAvaney as a “living legend” – which might be the understatement of the year. McAvaney himself is apparently itching to get back behind the mic. “Some of my fondest memories have been in Seven’s AFL commentary box," he said. "And I can’t wait to witness more unforgettable moments during the 2025 season.”
Meanwhile, across the AFL media landscape, Fox Footy has been bolstering its already stacked lineup, securing the services of Leigh Matthews, Tom Hawkins and Shaun Burgoyne. But let’s be honest – while Fox is building an empire, Seven just re-signed the emperor.
So, footy fans, prepare yourselves. The dulcet tones of Bruce McAvaney are back, and the 2025 AFL season just became a whole lot more special.
Image: Seven Network