Highest placed home prelim gets the Friday night and extra day break
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It was moved to the main channel in Brisbane - same schedule as Melbourne.
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Even if it wasn’t for how it evens up the breaks, a Saturday is much better for getting a bigger crowd to the match - easier for both sets of fans to travel.
Plus, I’d think TV wise, you pretty much have a guaranteed audience for both games from the traditional AFL states - but a much bigger potential audience for Friday night into Sydney than during the afternoon on Saturday.
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I’d argue that being in the last final before the Grand Final is even more prized - more attention on the game, etc. Also allows Geelong fan’s the ability to travel home before it get’s too late in the night.
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Seven will show the 2024 Smithy’s VFL Grand Final between Werribee Tigers and Southport Sharks next Sunday (September 22) live from Ikon Park in Melbourne. First bounce is at 3.10pm AEST.
It will be the second grand final for both teams. The Sharks lost the 2022 GF to Casey Demons, before the Tigers went down to Gold Coast last year.
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Third straight year that a Gold Coast based team has made the Grand Final
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Also next Sunday are Grand Finals of SAFL and WAFL
So far there is no overnight AFL Marathon in the schedules.
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It should be on the main channel in all markets. It’s a preliminary final, the biggest game of the year bar the Grand Final. Nine are showing all NRL finals live into Melbourne, so not sure why Seven wouldn’t do the same with AFL into Sydney.
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Probably because it means moving the main news bulletin to 8pm and they don’t want to give Nine News a free kick.
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Bruce is back! Hosting the final three games of the season. I assume this is replacing Hamish who won’t be returning
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Bruce McAvaney makes footy return
Broadcasting icon to supercharge 7AFL finals coverage
An unforgettable 2024 AFL season is set for a spectacular finish, with legendary sports broadcaster Bruce McAvaney to return home to Seven’s live and free coverage for this weekend’s two preliminary finals and the blockbuster premiership decider on Saturday, 28 September.
In a special treat for all Australians, fans will enjoy McAvaney’s supreme insight and experience when he join’s football’s #1 commentary team in a key hosting role across the final epic three games of the season.
Bruce McAvaney said: “The 2024 season has turned out to be unpredictable and thrilling. 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.”
Seven West Media Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Jeff Howard, said: “Bruce is a living legend and the best sports broadcaster of our generation. He is part of the fabric of Seven and we are honoured that he is returning to our 7AFL coverage for the biggest three games of the season.
“After two remarkable semi-final matches this weekend, it’s hard to remember a more compelling finals race than 2024. The stage is set for a nail-biting finish and with Bruce alongside our commentary team, you know it’s must-watch TV.”
It all kicks up another gear from Friday night when minor premiers the Sydney Swans host Port Adelaide in the first of two preliminary finals at the SCG, with Seven’s live and free coverage starting at 7.00 pm AEST on Channel 7 and 7mate.
Then, on Saturday, 7AFL will take viewers live to packed MCG, when Geelong meet Brisbane for a do-or-die elimination final, live and free from 4.00pm on Channel 7 and 7mate.
On Grand Final day, viewers will enjoy more than 12 hours of coverage live and free on Channel 7 and exclusively on 7plus, kicking off at 7.00am with the Weekend Sunrise AFL Grand Final Day Special and continuing non-stop until the Grand Final post-match presentations and celebrations wind up.
As we count down to the last Saturday in September, footy fans can also tune in to the 2024 Brownlow Medal on Monday 23 September, live and free from anywhere, exclusively on Seven and 7plus.
Seven’s Brownlow Medal and AFL Grand Final broadcast mark the beginning of a new era on Seven, where Australians can stream Seven’s AFL match coverage live and free on 7plus, for the first time.
Bruce McAvaney joins 7AFL finals coverage
2024 AFL Finals Series – Preliminary Finals
Sydney Swans v Port Adelaide
From 7.00pm AEST Friday on Channel 7 and 7mate
Geelong Cats v Brisbane Lions
From 4.00pm AEST Saturday on Channel 7 and 7mate
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Hamish was never going to return once Ch7 Sport got their midyear shake up. For starters, I assume he doesn’t have a contract anymore, unlike Bruce.
Just as Lewis Martin would never have hired Kane Cornes, one wonders with how quickly Bruce has been brought back if the change in leadership has been a factor.
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On 7’s socials they announced he’s back & the graphic says ‘key hosting role’. But people don’t read and are celebrating like he’s back in commentary. Most common response was ‘hope that means BT is gone’ or ‘now I can watch unmuted’ etc
Those people are in for a rude shock come Friday night 
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The latest listings still have Cats v Lions on 7mate in Brisbane.
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It’s 10:35am on Monday morning. Give them time to make the decision and then update the guides.
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I’m happy to see Bruce back but this is so unnecessary and I struggle to see what the motivation is behind this. Have faith in your current team that they can fulfil the roles required of them.
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I think Hamish McLachlan will still host the Brownlow, he’s featured on 7Plus’ placeholder image for it.
And to keep consistency, as McAvaney passed it on to him a number of years back, with a few female co-hosts in more recent years, including Jacqui Felgate. Abbey Gelmi was surprising, given all the co-hosting they did together at the Olympics, Winter Olympics and Comm Games.
My initial thoughts as well.
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But is he even back from his overseas holiday? Also can’t find that placeholder on 7Plus.
While it’s nice that he’s back, it’s a very confusing strategy to just bring him back for three games. If they wanted him back for the finals, wouldn’t it make more sense to put him on ALL the finals (or at least have him there from the start of the week).
IMO, if Seven want’s Bruce back for footy, but he doesn’t want to travel every weekend, maybe they could reach some arrangement where he does finals, one or two marquee matches, and possibly whenever they do games out of Adelaide (where Bruce is based).
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“returns to Seven”? He never left though?
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