One of the most familiar voices in Australian sports broadcasting is making a shock return to our living rooms for the blockbuster final three games of the AFL season.

Bruce McAvaney, the doyen of football commentary who has provided the soundtrack to some of the game’s finest moments, will take on a key hosting role with 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 host Port Adelaide.

He will then be a 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.”

“It’s been nearly four years since I was last involved in broadcasting AFL. 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.

McAvaney said he was thrilled to be covering another AFL grand final.

“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,” he said.

“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.”