Bruce McAvaney returns to commentary box for AFL preliminary finals and grand final

Commentary legend Bruce McAvaney is “incredibly excited” to be back in the broadcasting booth after shelving his retirement to rejoin Channel 7 for this weekend’s two preliminary finals and the grand final on September 28.

McAvaney retired from full-time commentating at the end of the 2020 season but will return to screens on Friday night when Sydney hosts Port Adelaide.

He won’t be calling games but will be part of the network’s coverage of Saturday night’s preliminary final between Geelong and Brisbane at the MCG and on grand final day a week later.

“The 2024 season has turned out to be unpredictable and thrilling,” McAvaney said.

“To have the opportunity to be part of it is a privilege and I’m incredibly excited to be joining my colleagues in broadcasting the finals on Seven.”

Seven West Media chief executive Jeff Howard described McAvaney as “a living legend and the best sports broadcaster of our generation”.

“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.”

While he has stepped away from AFL, McAvaney remains an integral part of the network’s horse racing coverage and returned to radio to call the athletics at the Paris Olympics.