Retired AFL commentary great Bruce McAvaney will return to a punditry position for the final three games of the 2024 finals series.
McAvaney last commentated the AFL in 2020, with his most recently covered match being that year's grand final between Richmond and Geelong in Queensland.
Early the following year McAvaney decided to retire in pursuit of a lighter workload, with the legendary broadcaster continuing with other roles in covering the Olympic Games, racing and more.
With 48 years of experience in broadcasting sports in Australia and across the globe, McAvaney will return to a hosting role with Channel 7 for the final three matches of the 2024 AFL season.
The network confirmed the 71-year-old's comeback on Monday, with McAvaney to return to the Channel 7 screens for Friday's preliminary final between Sydney and Port Adelaide before holding roles in Saturday's clash at the MCG between Geelong and Brisbane and next week's AFL Grand Final.
“It's been nearly four years since I was last involved in broadcasting AFL,” McAvaney said in a statement.
“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 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 swan song. But a few weeks later came to the decision that the time was right to stop calling football.
“The AFL Grand Final is the greatest Saturday in Australian sport. 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. 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 of footy for 2024. Can't wait to get to the SCG for Friday when it all starts.”
McAvaney will join the likes of Brian Taylor, James Brayshaw, Luke Hodge, Luke Darcy, Abbey Holmes, Joel Selwood, Dale Thomas and more as part of Channel 7's finals coverage.