Footy is back on Seven and 7plus Sport – AFL Opening Round kicks off this Thursday on Seven and 7plus Sport.
The Seven Network’s full slate of weekly AFL programming is set to get back into action as the highly anticipated 2026 AFL Premiership Season returns, with the Sydney Swans v Carlton blockbuster kicking off the season at the SCG this Thursday, 5 March, live and free from 7.00pm AEDT on Seven, 7mate and 7plus Sport.
With a stellar team of experts, headlined by the most experienced voices in the game, there’s no other place footy fans should turn for the 2026 AFL Premiership Season than Seven and 7plus Sport.
Before the on-field action starts, Seven’s weekly programming schedule begins with football’s most popular show, The Front Bar, which returns to Seven and 7plus from 8.30pm, Wednesday 4 March. Iconic trio Andy Maher, Mick Molloy and Sam Pang will be back in their seats at the bar to share a lighthearted look at the 2026 season, alongside the biggest names of yesteryear and today.
On opening night, Mick, Sam and Andy will be joined by St Kilda legend and 7AFL commentator Nick Riewoldt, alongside his former teammate Justin Koschitzke, before four-time AFLW Premiership player and Seven AFLW Expert Libby Birch swings by the bar for a guest appearance.
Straight after The Front Bar, footy fans will be treated to incredible access inside two big Victorian clubs, Collingwood and St Kilda, with the debut of inner sanctum documentaries Marching In (St Kilda) and On The Inside (Collingwood) on Seven and 7plus Sport.
Debuting straight after The Front Bar on Seven and 7plus Sport, Marching In presents an hour-long special inside the 2025-26 pre-season of the St Kilda Football Club under coach Ross Lyon.
The program goes inside the Saints’ pre-season as they integrate a flurry of high-profile recruits alongside some of the game’s brightest stars, including Nasiah Wanganeen-Milera, offering rare access to the preparation, personalities and pressure leading into the 2026 AFL season.
Following Marching In, fans will get a look behind the curtain at the Collingwood Football Club’s 2025 season, as the first episode of On The Inside debuts on Seven and 7plus Sport.
Captured across the 2025 AFL season, On The Inside is a three-part series that weaves together personal and on-field storylines, from Jeremy Howe’s injury challenges and Brayden Maynard’s recontracting journey to Jordan De Goey’s life in regional Victoria and the passion of cheer squad members Robby and Feim.
All three episodes will also be made available from 7.00pm AEDT Tuesday, 3 March, on 7plus Sport.
Then, from 7.00pm AEDT Thursday night, football’s #1 commentary team will join viewers live from the SCG ahead of the highly anticipated opening night clash between the Sydney Swans and Carlton.
As Charlie Curnow lines up to face his old side, Seven’s Thursday Night Footy coverage will be hosted by Rebecca Maddern and Hamish McLachlan, with play-by-play commentary by iconic voices Brian Taylor alongside McLachlan. Kane Cornes, and Luke Hodge remain in the expert chair, while Nick Riewoldt returns to Thursday for out-of-play special comments. 7NEWS Chief Football Reporter Mitch Cleary also returns to the boundary.
Thursday Night Footy doesn’t end there, with fan favourite segment “Roaming Brian” to feature weekly in the post-match coverage on Thursday nights, giving viewers unprecedented access into the winners’ rooms each week.
Prime-time football continues on Seven the following night, when Seven’s Friday Night Footy team deliver every moment of the Gold Coast SUNS v Geelong Cats clash fromPeople First Stadium, from 7.00pm AEDT on Seven, 7mate and 7plus Sport.
Seven’s Friday Night Footy coverage in 2026 will be hosted by Abbey Holmes and James Brayshaw, with play-by-play commentary called by Brayshaw and Alister Nicholson. Matthew Richardson and Dale Thomas return as expert commentators, while 7NEWS Sport Reporter Xander McGuire will be on deck to report all the biggest breaking news stories affecting the game. Holmes also returns to the boundary for field commentary.
Sundays on Seven will be more action packed than ever, starting with the return of Sunday Footy Feast hosted by Jason Richardson alongside Campbell Brown. Before KateMcCarthy returns to the show in Round One, Brownlow Medallist, Tom Mitchell will be at the desk alongside Richardson and Brown.
The star trio will unpack the key stories from the round so far and preview the matches to come from 12.00pm AEDT Sunday, 8 March, on Seven, 7mate and 7plus Sport.
In Opening Round, Seven’s St Kilda v Collingwood Sunday Night Footy coverage will be led by host James Brayshaw alongside experts Kane Cornes and Nick Riewoldt. Abbey Holmes and Mitch Cleary will be positioned on the boundary at the MCG, while Brian Taylor and James Brayshaw call the match.
From Round One onwards, Seven’s Sunday Afternoon Footy returns, led by expert commentator Joel Selwood alongside a rotating group of Seven’s callers, experts and field commentators, live and free on Seven, 7mate and 7plus Sport.
Following the on-field action of Opening Round, Seven’s full weekly programming schedule returns with the first episode of The Agenda Setters, which expands to a third night in 2026, premiering on Monday, 9 March, on Seven and 7plus Sport.
The show will continue to be spearheaded by Australia’s most respected football journalist, Caroline Wilson, alongside a line-up of the game’s most trusted voices in Craig Hutchison, Kane Cornes, Luke Hodge, Dale Thomas, Nick Riewoldt and 7NEWS Chief Football Reporter Mitch Cleary.
The third show on a Wednesday night will see Craig Hutchison start the year in the hosting chair alongside Nick Riewoldt and Mitch Cleary, plus a rotating third panelist. Collingwood Captain Darcy Moore will appear regularly on the Wednesday show throughout the season, including the first Wednesday night episode on Wednesday, 11 March.
Introduced in 2025 and proving a major hit, immediately after The Front Bar on Wednesday nights Hamish McLachlan sit down with key football stars and personalities, offering a raw and unique insight into key figures across the AFL in Unfiltered. In episode one, Hamish is joined by AFL Chief Executive Officer, Andrew Dillon, with a never-before-seen insight into the game’s most prominent figure.
Seven’s Head of AFL and Sport Innovation, Gary O’Keeffe, said:
“With anticipation building ahead of the 2026 AFL Premiership Season, footy is officially back on Seven and 7plus Sport, and fans can once again experience the biggest moments of the game live and free, all season long.
“Opening Round has quickly become one of the most exciting additions to the football calendar, and the blockbuster clash at the MCG will provide a fitting finale to what promises to be four spectacular days of football.
“There is nothing like the return of footy – the noise, the passion and the roar of the crowd – and we are proud to bring the biggest moments to fans across the country, live and free on Seven and 7plus Sport,”
– he said.
Following its launch in 2025, Australians can once again stream every round of the footy live and free on 7plus Sport, offering unprecedented access to game day action and new programs all season long.
Seven’s AFL match coverage in 2026 includes matches on Thursday nights, Friday nights, Sunday afternoons and more Sunday night games than ever before. Plus, SANFL and WAFL nation-wide on 7plus Sport.
Seven will also show marquee games and every match in the AFL Finals Series including – exclusive to Seven and 7plus Sport – the Charles Brownlow Medal and the 2026 AFL Grand Final. Plus, fans in New South Wales, Queensland, South Australia and WesternAustralia can watch every game involving teams from their home states on Seven and 7plus.
Seven’s 2026 AFL Coverage
The Agenda Setters – Monday nights on 7mate and 7plus Sport
Returns Monday, 9 March
Host: Craig Hutchison
Panelists: Kane Cornes, Caroline Wilson and Nick Riewoldt
The Agenda Setters –Tuesday nights on 7mate and 7plus Sport
Returns Tuesday, 10 March
Host: Kane Cornes
Panelists: Caroline Wilson, Dale Thomas and Luke Hodge
The Agenda Setters – Wednesday nights on 7mate and 7plus Sport
Returns Wednesday, 11 March
Host: Craig Hutchison
Panelists: Nick Riewoldt and Mitch Cleary alongside a rotating guest schedule
The Front Bar – 8.30pm (local) Wednesday nights on Seven and 7plus Sport Returns Wednesday, 4 March
Hosts: Mick Molloy, Sam Pang and Andy Maher
Unfiltered – 9.30pm (local) Wednesday nights on Seven and 7plus Sport Returns Wednesday, 11 March
Host: Hamish McLachlan
Thursday Night Footy – 7.00pm AEDT live on Seven and 7plus Sport Hosts: Rebecca Maddern and Hamish McLachlan Callers: Brian Taylor and Hamish McLachlan
Experts: Kane Cornes and Luke Hodge
Out-of-play: Nick Riewoldt
7NEWS: Mitch Cleary
Friday Night Footy – 7.00pm AEDT live on Seven and 7plus Sport Host: Abbey Holmes and James Brayshaw Callers: James Brayshaw and Alister Nicholson
Experts: Matthew Richardson, Dale Thomas, with special guest appearances from key current players
7NEWS: Xander McGuire
State Leagues: The match of the week from the SANFL and WAFL are available every Saturday of the season on Seven in the competition’s home state and streamed nationally on 7plus Sport
Sunday Footy Feast – 12.00pm AEDT live on Seven and 7plus Sport Host: Jason Richardson
Panellists: Campbell Brown and Kate McCarthy
Sunday Afternoon Footy – 2.30pm AEDT live on Seven and 7plus Sport Hosts: Abbey Holmes and Alister Nicholson
Callers: A rotation between Seven’s group of callers
Experts: Joel Selwood alongside a rotation of Seven’s expert commentators
Sunday Night Footy and marquee matches:
Rotating group of Seven’s AFL talent lineup.
Club docuseries: Showcasing exclusive pre-season action at the St Kilda Football Club plus a three-part series going behind the scenes of Collingwood’s 2025 campaign. Both to air the week of AFL Opening Round. Plus, No Holds Barred – a look into the GWS Giants is available to stream now on 7plus Sport.
Centimetre Perfect: Celebrating the career of Dennis Cometti, coming soon to Seven and 7plus Sport
7AFL Hub on 7plus Sport
In addition to live and on-demand streaming of Seven’s AFL matches, the 7plus AFL Hub will also showcase further live and on demand footy content, including:
- Highlights: Catch all major moments missed in a previous game with highlights on 7plus Sport. Every match, every round
- Roaming Brian: Watch as Seven’s Brian Taylor hits the changerooms with the toughest questions after each side’s Thursday Night Footy win. Viewers can also tune into old Roaming Brian segments on demand on 7plus Sport
- The Front Bar: Viewers can tune in live and on-demand on 7plus when Mick Molloy, Sam Pang and Andy Maher share a laugh each week of the 2026 season
- The Agenda Setters: Viewers can stream Seven’s new AFL panel show live and on-demand on 7plus Sport
- Unfiltered: Stream live and on demand as Hamish McLachlan sits down with the
AFL industry’s most fascinating personalities, every Wednesday night on 7plus Sport
- Sunday Footy Feast: Jason Richardson, Campbell Brown and Kate McCarthy will play host to a rotating group of the game’s biggest names on the Sunday Footy
Feast, streamed live and on-demand on 7plus Sport
- 7AFL Channel: The best content from our coverage each week is served in a 24/7 FAST Channel
- State Leagues: The best matches from the SANFL and WAFL are available nationally every week on 7plus Sport
- Retro Row: Footy fans can head to Retro Row on 7plus Sport to re-live all the golden historic AFL moments from yesteryear
- AFL Kids Call: Returning in 2026 for select matches, Seven knows how much kids love their footy, and once again this season families can tune into alternate commentary for kids, by kids on 7plus Sport
7AFL Commentary team
Abbey Holmes – Host
A versatile broadcaster with an elite sporting resume, Abbey is a key member of Seven’s AFL coverage. A former AFLW player and accomplished middle-distance runner, Holmes combines firsthand experience with polished hosting and boundary reporting skills.
Having built a diverse media career across major sporting events, Abbey delivers elite player insights and her preparation and connection with athletes make her a valuable presence on game day. In 2026, she continues her integral role across Seven and 7plus Sport’s AFL broadcasts.
- @AbbeyHolmes Instagram: @abbeycholmes
Alister Nicholson – Commentator
Alister has become one of Australian sport’s most recognisable voices over the past decade across cricket and AFL football. While he has been a popular member of Seven’s AFL, Test Cricket and Big Bash League commentary team in recent years, his broadcasting experience extends to the NRL, A-League, Commonwealth Games, Olympic Games, Australia’s major golf tournaments and the Sydney Hobart Yacht Race. He will call AFL games once again with Seven in 2026, including Friday Night Footy alongside James Brayshaw.
- @AlisterNicho
Brian Taylor – Commentator and Host
One of footy’s most respected and entertaining callers, Brian will lead Seven’s Thursday Night Footy coverage in 2026, along with other blockbuster matches throughout the seasonand Finals Series. One of his generation’s best full forwards, “BT” kicked 527 goals over 140 games with Richmond and Collingwood, winning the Coleman Medal in 1986 with a season tally of 100 goals.
Instagram: @BT_BrianTaylor X: @BT_BrianTaylor
Campbell Brown – Field Commentator
An All-Australian in 2007 and Hawthorn premiership player in 2008, Campbell was a ferocious competitor who attacked the contest fearlessly. His love of the game and engaging personality shines through in his field commentary on Seven’s football coverage. Known also to the public as “Browny”, he features on Sunday Footy Feast, as well as key matches.
- @Browndogg_30x Instagram: @browndog_30x
Cameron Ling – Expert Commentator
Cameron was one of the AFL’s elite taggers over a decorated 12-season career with Geelong that included the 2007, 2009 and 2011 flags – the latter as skipper – the Cats’ 2004 best and fairest award and All-Australian selection in 2007. Since 2012, “Lingy” has been an integral member of Seven’s AFL coverage, delivering sharp insights as an expert commentator and boundary rider. His articulate football analysis, strategic insight and approachable style has made him a respected football figure for more than a decade.
- @CameronLing
Caroline Wilson – The Agenda Setters Panellist
Award-winning columnist and former chief football writer for The Age, Caroline
returned home to Seven in 2025 after 20 years. She will join The Agenda Setters every Monday and Tuesday night as a panellist alongside the AFL’s biggest names. Known as one of Australia’s most acclaimed and hard-hitting football journalists, “Caro” will share her expert analysis and opinion on AFL news and current affairs once again in 2026.
Chad Wingard – Expert/Field Commentator
A former Port Adelaide and Hawthorn Football Club star, Chad played 281 games before retiring in 2024. The two-time All Australian and John Cahill Medallist returns to Seven as an expert commentator for the 2026 season.
X: @wingard_chad Instagram: @chadwingard
Craig Hutchison – The Agenda Setters Host
Award-winning sports journalist, broadcaster and media businessman, “Hutchy” returned to Seven after an 18-year hiatus to host The Agenda Setters every Monday night, alongside an esteemed panel. The founder of Sports Entertainment Media (SEN) and Crocmedia has long been regarded as one of the AFL’s greatest news-breakers, making him and his number of sports media outlets key players in AFL. Hutchy’s energetic style, entrepreneurial vision and long-standing influence make him a standout figure in the Australian sports media landscape.
X: @craighutchy Instagram: @hutchcraig
Daisy Pearce – Expert Commentator
A trailblazer of the modern game, Daisy has seamlessly transitioned from champion player to one of football’s most respected voices. A pioneer of the AFLW and former Melbourne captain, she brings elite-level insight, sharp analysis and natural leadership to the Seven commentary team. Her decorated playing career, which includes multiple All-Australian honours and best-and-fairest awards. Daisy has become a trusted presence across Seven and 7plus Sport. In 2026, she will play a key role across marquee broadcasts, combining firsthand experience with a deep understanding of the modern AFL landscape. X: @DaisyPearce6 Instagram: @daisypearce6
Dale Thomas – Expert Commentator and The Agenda Setters Panellist
One of the game’s great entertainers, Dale brings personality and valuable insight to Seven’s AFL coverage. A premiership Magpie and 200-game AFL veteran, he built his career on flair and big-game performances, including being a key cog in Collingwood’s 2010 Grand Final win. Since retiring, Dale has been a vital part of Seven’s AFL coverage, known for his sharp football mind and willingness to offer bold, honest opinions.
- @DaleThomas Instagram: @dalethomas_
Erin Phillips – Expert/Field Commentator
The only AFLW player to win the league best and fairest award twice, Erin is highly regarded as one of the competition’s premier players. A dual premiership player with the Adelaide Crows, she was named best afield in each of her AFLW Grand Final wins in 2017 and 2019. Before AFLW, she enjoyed an elite basketball career, representing Australia at Olympic level and playing in the WNBA. After stepping into the commentary seat for the first time in 2021.
- @Erinphillips131 Instagram: @Erinphillips131
Hamish McLachlan – Host and Commentator
Hamish is one of Seven’s most versatile broadcasters, having hosted and commentated on a wide range of sports including the AFL, horse racing, Commonwealth Games and Olympic Games. Whether presenting from the studio or calling the action live, he has developed a reputation for his energetic, accurate and engaging style. An accurate and entertaining play-by-play commentator, Hamish returns to call Thursday Night Footy alongside Brian Taylor. In 2026, Hamish will also interview many of the AFL industry’s most exciting names every Wednesday night on Unfiltered.
Jack Heverin – Commentator
A rising star of commentary, Jack has steadily worked his way up the ranks to be one of media’s most versatile talents. Enjoying an impressive 2025 AFL Season on radio with Triple M, he joined the Seven commentary box to lead the award winning 7AFL Kids Call. A tireless worker who thrives on live sport and accuracy in his call, Jack’s career highlights include commentating the 2015 Cricket World Cup and being on the ground as SEN’s leading commentator and journalist during the “Sandpaper Gate” saga in South Africa. He will call AFL matches on Sundays for the first time in 2026 on Seven and 7plus Sport.
- @Jack_Heverin Instagram: @JackHev
James Brayshaw – Commentator
Following a distinguished first-class cricket career that saw him average 42.53 runs across
75 matches as a top-order batsman, James has become one of the most respected hosts
and commentators in Australian sport. Calling Friday Night Footy alongside Alister
Nicholson, as well as marquee games throughout the season and the Finals Series, James
is known for his vibrant energy, quick wit and down-to-earth attitude. When he swapped the
bat for a microphone, James’ charisma and passion for sport quickly made him a household
name, as one of the few presenters in the industry to commentate both AFL and cricket on
radio and television.
Instagram: @jamesbrayshaw
Jason Richardson – Sunday Footy Feast Host
An experienced broadcaster and former elite sprinter, Jason joined Seven’s AFL coverage to host the Sunday Footy Feast in 2025. A former national level 100m sprinter, his background in elite sport adds further insight to his coverage. A key member of Seven’s horse racing team as a host and commentator, he has also worked many of Seven’s national and international sport broadcasts.
- @JaseRicho Instagram: @jaserichardson7
Jobe Watson – Expert/Field Commentator
An Essendon champion and one of the most respected leaders of his generation,
Jobe was renowned for his professionalism and elite football IQ. A former Bombers captain who led through adversity, he offers viewers sharp insight, considered analysis and a
player’s perspective on the modern game. He will return as an expert commentator throughout the 2026 AFL season.
- @JobeWatson Instagram: @jobetwatson
Joel Selwood – Expert/Field Commentator
A Geelong legend, four-time premiership captain and one of the most decorated leaders in AFL history, renowned for his toughness, leadership and football IQ, Joel understands better than anyone what it takes to achieve ultimate success. He provides viewers with a rare window into what it takes be the best at the top level. In 2026, he will return to Seven’s Sunday Afternoon Footy expert commentary line-up.
- @ joelselwood14 Instagram: @joelselwood14
Jude Bolton – Field Commentator
A dual Swans premiership hero, and highly respected media personality, Jude is known for his grit and heart on and off the field. He played with undying determination and fearless attack on the ball over a decorated 325-game career, while still sharing the AFL record for the most tackles ever in a single game (19). The former AFL player transitioned into media after his 15-year playing career, serving as an AFL commentator and boundary rider, providing expert analysis for Seven’s coverage. He produces engaging commentary and deep knowledge of the game, primarily at games in Sydney, all while spreading his infectious enthusiasm with viewers nationwide. X: @Jude_Bolton Instagram: @jude_bolton
Kane Cornes – The Agenda Setters Host and Expert Commentator
One of the AFL’s elite midfielders, Port Adelaide Premiership winning player Kane finished his illustrious career with 300 games, four best and fairest awards and two All-Australian player awards. Since he retired in 2015, the Port Adelaide Hall of Famer has built an excellent reputation for delivering expert opinion analysis, sharp insights and passion for the game, making him the perfect addition to Seven’s AFL coverage as co-host and panellist of The Agenda Setters, while offering expert commentary across Thursday Night Footy, and sharing his unique opinion nearing the end of each round via Kane’s Call.
- @kanecornes Instagram: @kanecornes
Kate Massey – 7NEWS Melbourne Sport Reporter
Having first joined Seven in Perth five years ago, the 7NEWS Melbourne Sport Reporter joined Seven’s AFL and AFLW coverage last year and makes her return in 2026. A passionate football fan and host of Seven’s 2025 weekly AFLW analysis program, Talking W, Kate will feature across Seven’s AFL coverage when reporting breaking news.
- @KateMassey_7 Instagram: @_katemassey
Kate McCarthy – Sunday Footy Feast Panellist
A key player in the AFLW’s inaugural year with the Brisbane Lions, Kate’s speed and attacking flair quickly established her as one of the competitions most exciting players. Following her retirement from AFLW, McCarthy transitioned into coaching, taking on a role at the Western Bulldogs to help shape the next generation of AFLW talent. Her tactical knowledge and strong leadership skills soon led her into broadcast media, where she joined Seven as an AFLW commentator. In 2025, Kate joined the Sunday Footy Feast while also reporting live from the boundary on key Friday Night Footy matches during the season. In 2026, Kate returns to Sunday Footy Feast and will also join Seven’s AFL commentary team for key matches.
- @Kateemac9 Instagram: @Kate.mac.9
Luke Hodge – Expert Commentator and The Agenda Setters Panellist
The long-time Hawthorn skipper established himself as one of the great modern leaders in Australian sport over a highly decorated career that included 346 games (305 at the Hawks and 41 at Brisbane), four premierships, three All-Australian selections and two Norm Smith Medals. After hanging up his boots at the end of 2019, Luke joined Seven’s AFL commentary team in 2020, quickly showcasing his rare understanding of the modern game as an expert commentator. As well as sitting in the expert chair on Thursday Night Footy, he joined the Tuesday night edition of The Agenda Setters. X: @LHodge15 Instagram: @hodgey015
Matthew Richardson – Host and Expert Commentator
With a football career spanning almost 25 years,”Richo” is one of the most humble members of the AFL community and a key part of Seven’s Friday Night Footy commentary lineup. A legend on the field with 282 games and 800 goals for the Richmond Football Club, he is known for his passion, work ethic, courage, goal kicking and marking prowess. One of the competition’s most respected expert commentators, Richo has been a member of the 7AFL team since 2010, following his retirement from the game. X: @mattricho0 Instagram: @mattricho0
Mitch Cleary – 7NEWS Melbourne Chief Football Reporter
7NEWS Melbourne’s Chief Football Reporter, Mitch is a respected and energetic AFL news breaker. He is known for his accuracy in breaking the biggest stories and lively on-
air presence. Since joining Seven in 2021, Cleary has become a trusted source on player moves, controversies and major footy headlines, frequently appearing across 7NEWS and 7AFL programming.
- @Cleary_Mitch Instagram: @Cleary_Mitch
Nick Riewoldt – Expert Commentator and The Agenda Setters Panellist
One of the most recognisable players of the 2010s, Nick has become a commanding voice in AFL media. A six-time All-Australian and long-time St Kilda captain, his playing careerwas defined by elite endurance and leadership. Transitioning seamlessly into broadcasting, Nick brings a big-picture understanding of the modern game while celebrating the biggest names and players that shape it. In 2026, Riewoldt continues to play a prominent role across Seven and 7plus Sport’s AFL coverage, including Thursday nights, Sunday nights, marquee fixtures and finals and is also a regular panellist on The Agenda Setters.
- @NickRiewoldt Instagram: @nickriewoldt
Rebecca Maddern – Host
As 7NEWS Melbourne’s Chief Sports Presenter, Rebecca leads the agenda-setting Melbourne sport department and hosts the nightly sport news alongside Peter Mitchell and Jane Bunn at 6.00pm, Mondays to Fridays. Maddern also returns to Seven’s AFL coverage this season as Thursday Night Footy host. With over two decades’ experience in television news and sport, the highly respected journalist and presenter has hosted some of Australia’s biggest sporting occasions.
X: @Rebecca7Maddern Instagram: @rebeccamaddern
Ryan Daniels – Field Commentator
With a vast AFL knowledge, 7NEWS Perth sports reporter and newsreader Ryan is an admired personality known for his thorough and engaging AFL and Olympic coverage. Beginning his career at Seven in 2007, he quickly established himself in Perth’s sports media as a versatile and dedicated reporter whose approachable on-screen style has made him a trusted voice in football and beyond.
- @FootyRhino Instagram: @FootyRhino
Scott Pendlebury – Expert Commentator
“Pendles” is a dual AFL Premiership Winning Player at Collingwood Football Club and holds the record for the most games played in the black and white guernsey with 403. The 2010 Norm Smith Medallist, six-time All-Australian player and five-time Copeland Trophy winner is the league record holder for disposals, handballs and tackles and became the first VFL/AFL player to reach 10,000 disposals in 2024. Bringing wide insight and experience to the commentary box, he joined Seven as an expert commentator across Friday Night Football for select rounds. Offering fans a perspective shaped by nearly two decades at the heart of the game, Scott is an integral addition to the Seven team. X: @SP_10 Instagram: @sp_10
Theo Doropoulos – 7NEWS Melbourne Sport Reporter
The former cricketer who played for South Australia, Western Australia and Wellington joined 7NEWS as a passionate sport reporter and presenter more than a decade ago, starting in Adelaide and later transferring to Melbourne. Theo is a Seven cricket boundary commentator who is acknowledged for his genuine love of the sport, making him a valuable addition to screens.
- @theodrop Instagram: @theodrop7
Xander McGuire – 7NEWS Melbourne Sport Reporter
Joining the 7NEWS Melbourne team in 2025, Xander has quickly established himself as one of the most dynamic young voices in Australian sports media. He has jumped on deck
for Friday Night Footy on Seven and 7plus Sport to deliver all the biggest breaking news headlines impacting the game. Xander claimed the prestigious Clinton Grybas Emerging Talent Award at the 2024 Australian Football Media Awards for his AFL and broader sport reporting.
- @XanderMcGuire7 Instagram: @Xander.McGuire
2026 AFL Premiership Season
Live and free on Seven and 7plus Sport from Thursday, 5 March 2026
Broadcast times on Seven and 7plus Sport:
TUESDAY, 3 MARCH
On the Inside: Collingwood’s 2025 Season Episodes One – Three
National 7.00pm on 7plus Sport
WEDNESDAY, 4 MARCH
The Front Bar National
8.30pm on Seven and 7plus Sport
St Kilda Pre-Season Documentary: Marching In
Sydney 10.30pm on Seven and 7plus Sport
Melbourne 9.30pm on Seven and 7plus Sport
Brisbane 10.30pm on Seven and 7plus Sport
Adelaide 9.30pm on Seven and 7plus Sport
Perth 9.30pm on Seven and 7plus Sport
On the Inside: Collingwood’s 2025 Season Episode One Sydney 12.00am on Seven and 7plus Sport Melbourne 11.00pm on Seven and 7plus Sport Brisbane 12.00am on Seven and 7plus Sport Adelaide 11.00pm on Seven and 7plus Sport Perth 11.00pm on Seven and 7plus Sport
THURSDAY, 5 MARCH
AFL Opening Round: Sydney Swans v Carlton
Sydney 7.00pm live on 7mate and 7plus Sport, 7.30pm live on Seven and 7plus Sport
Melbourne 7.00pm live on Seven and 7plus Sport
Brisbane 6.00pm live on 7mate and 7plus Sport
Adelaide 6.30pm live on 7mate and 7plus Sport, 7.00pm on Seven and 7plus Sport
Perth 4.00pm live on 7mate and 7plus Sport
FRIDAY, 6 MARCH
AFL Opening Round: Gold Coast SUNS v Geelong Cats Pre-Game
Sydney 7.00pm live on 7mate and 7plus Sport Melbourne 7.00pm live on Seven and 7plus Sport Brisbane 6.00pm live on 7two and 7plus Sport Adelaide 6.30pm live on 7two and 7plus Sport Perth 4.00pm live on 7mate and 7plus Sport
AFL Opening Round: Gold Coast SUNS v Geelong Cats
Sydney 7.30pm live on 7mate and 7plus Sport
Melbourne 7.30pm live on Seven and 7plus Sport
Brisbane 6.30pm live on 7two and 7plus Sport, 7.00pm live on Seven and 7plus Sport
Adelaide 7.00pm live on Seven and 7plus Sport
Perth 4.30pm live on 7mate and 7plus Sport
SUNDAY, 8 MARCH
Sunday Footy Feast
Sydney Melbourne 12.00pm live on Seven and 7plus Sport
Brisbane 11.00am live on 7mate and 7plus Sport
Adelaide 11.30am live on Seven and 7plus Sport
Perth 9.00am live on 7mate and 7plus Sport
AFL Opening Round: St Kilda v Collingwood
Sydney 7.00pm live on 7mate and 7plus Sport
Melbourne 7.00pm live on Seven and 7plus Sport
Brisbane 6.00pm live on 7mate and 7plus Sport
Adelaide 6.30pm live on 7two and 7plus Sport, 6.50pm live on Seven and 7plus Sport
Perth 4.00pm live on 7mate and 7plus Sport
MONDAY, 9 MARCH
The Agenda Setters
Sydney 10.10pm on Seven and 7plus Sport
Melbourne 9.10pm on Seven and 7plus Sport
Brisbane 10.10pm on Seven and 7plus Sport
Adelaide 9.10pm on Seven and 7plus
Perth 9.10pm on Seven and 7plus Sport
TUESDAY, 10 MARCH
The Agenda Setters
Melbourne 7.30pm on 7mate and 7plus Sport
Adelaide 7.30pm on 7mate and 7plus Sport
Perth 7.30pm on 7mate and 7plus Sport
The Agenda Setters (Encore)
National 11.10pm on Seven and 7plus Sport
WEDNESDAY, 11 MARCH
The Agenda Setters
Sydney 7.30pm on 7plus Sport
Melbourne 7.30pm on Seven and 7plus Sport
Brisbane 7.30pm on 7plus Sport
Adelaide 7.30pm on Seven and 7plus
Perth 7.30pm on Seven and 7plus Sport
The Front Bar National
9.10pm on Seven and 7plus Sport
Unfiltered: Andrew Dillon
Sydney 11.10pm on Seven and 7plus Sport
Melbourne 10.10pm on Seven and 7plus Sport
Brisbane 11.10pm on Seven and 7plus Sport
Adelaide 10.10pm on Seven and 7plus Sport
Perth 10.10pm on Seven and 7plus Sport
Get involved:
Media Release – Seven
Link to 7plus HERE
TV Central AFL content HERE
Footy is back on Seven and 7plus Sport
