Seven is gearing up for a blockbuster 2025 AFL season, broadcasting live and free on Seven and, for the first time, streaming on 7Plus Sport. With new recruits, expert analysts, and expanded programming, the network aims to deliver comprehensive coverage for fans.
One of the biggest headlines from Seven’s AFL slate is the return of Caroline Wilson after two decades. The highly respected football journalist will be a key panelist on The Agenda Setters, a new prime-time football panel show airing Monday and Tuesday nights. Wilson will be joined by Craig Hutchison, Kane Cornes, Nick Riewoldt, Dale Thomas, and Luke Hodge, promising in-depth analysis and debate on the game’s biggest stories.
AFL commentator Caroline Wilson
Another major addition is the return of legendary broadcaster Bruce McAvaney, who will host Sunday night coverage and marquee matches after making a brief return for the 2024 Finals Series. Meanwhile, Scott Pendlebury steps into a new out-of-play expert role on Friday Night Football, offering unique insights into the game from his experience as a 403-game player and six-time All Australian.
In a further shake-up, GWS Giants captain Toby Greene will step behind the microphone for the first time on Friday the 7th March 7, calling the Opening Round clash between Sydney Swans and Hawthorn at the MCG. The following week, Carlton captain Sam Docherty will join the broadcast for the Western Bulldogs v Collingwood matchup in Round Two.
Seven’s Thursday night coverage will also have a new face, with Rebecca Maddern taking on co-hosting duties while continuing to present 7NEWS Melbourne’s sport bulletins live from stadiums across the country. Following his retirement from AFL, Chad Wingard will join Seven as an expert commentator, and Jason Richardson will shift his focus to football, hosting Sunday Footy Feast alongside Campbell Brown and Kate McCarthy.
Broadcaster Bruce McAvaney
The broadcast team will also feature some of 7News’ top reporters, with Mitch Cleary providing breaking news updates during Thursday night match coverage, while Xander McGuire joins Friday Night Footy. Theo Doropoulos and Kate Massey will also be part of Seven’s match-day reporting team.
Returning to the commentary box are Brian Taylor, James Brayshaw, Hamish McLachlan, Alister Nicholson, and Jason Bennett, alongside expert analystsLuke Hodge, Abbey Holmes, Matthew Richardson, Erin Phillips, Jobe Watson, Dale Thomas, Joel Selwood, and Cameron Ling. They will be supported by Jude Bolton, Ryan Daniels, and Campbell Brown, rounding out what Seven is calling “football’s most star-studded lineup.”
To complement match-day coverage, Seven is also rolling out a fresh lineup of AFL programs to keep fans engaged all week. New shows include The Agenda Setters, Unfiltered, Extra Time, Sunday Footy Feast, The Wash Up, Kane’s Call, and Full Sweat – a behind-the-scenes documentary on Hawthorn Football Club. These will sit alongside long-time favourite The Front Bar, ensuring AFL content is available every day of the week across Seven and 7plus Sport.
With expanded digital rights, new shows, and big-name additions, Seven is positioning itself as the go-to destination for AFL in 2025.