Seven’s Bruce McAvaney OAM has received Life Membership by the Australian Football League (AFL).
As one of the most recognised and respected sports commentators in Australia, McAvaney is synonymous with major sporting events, particularly the AFL Grand Final, in which he called on 20 separate occasions throughout his stellar career.
Seven Network managing director, Melbourne, and head of network sport, Lewis Martin, said: “I’ve had the privilege of working with Macca for more than 25 years. He is a legendary broadcaster and a legendary person.
“Macca’s dedication to his craft is unmatched, and everyone at the Seven Network has seen first-hand how greatly that has impacted his peers, and the next generation of callers, who respect him dearly.
“He is a broadcaster in a league of his own and has made a remarkable contribution to Seven, the sports media industry and Australian football. Well done, Macca.”
The AFL Life Membership achievement joins a long list of honours McAvaney has received over the years.
Most recently, he was inducted into the TV Week Logie Awards Hall of Fame.
At the time, Seven West Media managing director and chief executive officer, James Warburton, said: “The TV Week Logie Awards Hall of Fame award is a richly deserved honour for Bruce, and we couldn’t be happier for him.
“Bruce has been part of the fabric of Australian sport – and of Seven – for more than four decades. His extraordinary knowledge, passion, dedication and professionalism are legendary and inspiring, and he has been a wonderful mentor for many people at Seven. Congratulations Bruce. What a moment, what a legend!”
McAvaney has also been awarded the Kennedy Award for Outstanding Lifetime Achievement (2022); the Melbourne Press Club Lifetime Achievement Award (2020); Medal of the Order of Australia for service to sports broadcasting and to the community through charitable and sporting organisations (2002); induction into the Sport Australia Hall of Fame (also in 2002); the International Olympic Committee Media Award in 1989; and the inaugural TV Week Logie Award for Most Outstanding Sport Broadcaster in 1999.
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Top image: Bruce McAvaney