Seven Network Announces Premier AFL 2026 Commentary Team and Enhanced Broadcast Schedule
The Seven Network has officially revealed its comprehensive coverage plans for the upcoming 2026 AFL Premiership Season, promising fans an unparalleled viewing experience live and free on Seven and via streaming on 7plus Sport. With a focus on integrating elite current and former players into match analysis, the network's lineup is headlined by some of the most respected names in Australian football.
Star Additions to Expert Commentary Panel
In a significant coup for Seven, Collingwood legend Scott Pendlebury will join the expert commentary team for select rounds throughout the 2026 season. Pendlebury, a 425-game veteran and six-time All Australian, is poised to break the all-time games played record in AFL/VFL history during this campaign. Affectionately known as "Pendles," his first commentary shift will be the Round One clash between Melbourne and St Kilda on Sunday, 15 March.
Adding further star power to the lineup, Hawthorn icon Shane Crawford brings his Brownlow Medal-winning pedigree and infectious enthusiasm to Seven's coverage. The 2008 premiership player and House of Wellness personality will provide unique insights as one of the competition's great competitors across multiple matches.
Returning Commentary Legends and New Talent
Seven welcomes back football's most formidable broadcasting team, including premier callers Brian Taylor, James Brayshaw, Hamish McLachlan, and Alister Nicholson. They are joined by new recruit Jack Heverin, a Triple M star who will feature on select Sunday games throughout the season.
The expert commentator roster sees the return of Kane Cornes, Luke Hodge, Abbey Holmes, Nick Riewoldt, Matthew Richardson, Daisy Pearce, Dale Thomas, and Joel Selwood. Regular contributors will also include Kate McCarthy, Erin Phillips, Chad Wingard, Cameron Ling, Jobe Watson, Campbell Brown, and Jude Bolton.
Rebecca Maddern resumes her role as host of Thursday Night Footy, while 7NEWS Chief Football Reporter Mitch Cleary provides breaking news coverage alongside the commentary team every Thursday night. Additional sport reporters Xander McGuire, Theo Doropoulos, Kate Massey, and Ryan Daniels complete the comprehensive on-ground reporting team.
Expanded Programming and Documentary Features
Following a successful revamp in 2025, Seven's magazine programming returns with enhanced offerings. The Agenda Setters expands to a third night every Wednesday, featuring Australia's most respected football journalist Caroline Wilson alongside Craig Hutchison, Kane Cornes, Luke Hodge, Dale Thomas, Nick Riewoldt, and Mitch Cleary. Collingwood Captain Darcy Moore is set to appear regularly on the Wednesday edition.
Other returning favorites include Unfiltered with Hamish McLachlan, Extra Time, Sunday Footy Feast, and the long-standing The Front Bar. The network also announces documentary programming, highlighted by Centimetre Perfect, a feature exploring the legendary career of iconic caller Dennis Cometti, narrated by great mate Bruce McAvaney.
Club-focused docuseries continue with unprecedented access to Collingwood and St Kilda, airing during AFL Opening Round week. The recently released GWS Giants docuseries is already available for streaming on 7plus Sport.
Innovative Broadcast Schedule and New Competitions
Seven's 2026 AFL coverage includes an expanded schedule with more Sunday night games than ever before, beginning with St Kilda versus Collingwood in Opening Round on Sunday, 8 March. The network will broadcast matches across Thursday nights, Friday nights, State Footy Saturdays, and Sunday afternoons.
For the first time, Seven will showcase the inaugural Wildcard Round as part of the AFL Finals Series, featuring elimination matches between seventh and tenth, and eighth and ninth-placed teams. The network retains exclusive rights to broadcast the Brownlow Medal and the 2026 AFL Grand Final, along with every match in the AFL Finals Series.
State league football returns with SANFL and WAFL matches live on Saturdays throughout the season. Fans in New South Wales, Queensland, South Australia, and Western Australia can watch every game involving teams from their home states on Seven and 7plus.
Leadership Vision for 2026 Season
Seven Network Head of AFL and Innovation, Gary O'Keeffe, expressed excitement about building on the momentum from 2025. "Last year we introduced new shows and gave fans the ability to stream every round live and free on 7plus Sport. This year is about continuing our strong momentum while finding new ways to deliver the absolute best football coverage," O'Keeffe stated.
"We're thrilled to welcome back our all-star team while adding fresh talent like Jack Heverin. The 2026 season will be bigger than ever with the introduction of Wildcard Round and AFL Origin. We're excited to show fans what we have in store through both match day broadcasts and football shows throughout the season," he added.
Australians can once again stream every round of football live and free on 7plus Sport, offering unprecedented access to game day action and exclusive programming throughout the 2026 AFL season.
