Seven AFL team, sans Bruce McAvaney.

AFL returns to Seven next week and while Bruce McAvaney will not call games this year, he will still be a part of the network sports team.

Seven’s team of commentators and presenters for AFL this year include Brian Taylor, James Brayshaw, Hamish McLachlan, Luke Darcy, Luke Hodge, Wayne Carey, Daisy Pearce, Matthew Richardson, Jobe Watson, Leigh Matthews, Tim Watson, Cameron Ling, Jimmy Bartel, Abbey Holmes, Abbey Gelmi, Jacqui Felgate, Jude Bolton, Xavier Ellis, Mark Soderstrom, Jason Bennett, Nigel Carmody and Campbell Brown.

West Coast’s Nic Naitanui and Geelong skipper Joel Selwood will make guest appearances in the commentary box throughout the season.

Managing Director Seven Melbourne and Head of Network Sport, Lewis Martin, said: “A love of the game drives everything we do at Seven and we can’t wait to bring all Australians a 2021 AFL season that promises to be one of the most closely fought in years.

“We have assembled the game’s strongest, most talented and most experienced commentary line-up. After an extraordinary 2020, they’re ready and raring for the new season to start.

“One of the greatest broadcasters of all time, Bruce McAvaney, is stepping back from calling games but rest assured he will still be an important part of our on-air team. Bruce remains a vital part of Seven’s AFL, horse racing, the Olympic Games and other special events,” he said.

The Front Bar also returns to Seven on Wednesday March 17.