Legendary broadcaster Bruce McAvaney has announced he will step away from AFL commentary, after over 1000 matches.
The 67-year old has been the voice of the sport for decades, but is now looking to focus on horse racing and the upcoming Olympic Games in Tokyo.
Speaking on Channel 7 News on Sunday night, McAvaney admitted he will miss calling AFL games but knows it is time to reduce his workload.
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“I felt like I got to a stage in my career where I had to reduce my workload,” he said.
“I’m going to miss it enormously, I just visualise when Richmond and Carlton run out there in round one, and the ball is bounced, I’m going to climb a wall somewhere.
“I’m going to have to move on and just be a fan like everybody else.
“Certainly not anything close to retirement, it’s just a new phase, where I cut back slightly, and anything I’m asked to do at Seven I’m going to do with the same enthusiasm and same commitment."
He has called more than 1,000 games, now Bruce McAvaney has called his final @AFL game for @Channel7. At 67 the legendary broadcaster is stepping down, but just from the footy, declaring he still has more to give to his other commentary passions. https://t.co/HYUaKscgg2 #7NEWS pic.twitter.com/nkdP6vu7BC
— 7NEWS Sydney (@7NewsSydney) February 28, 2021
McAvaney revealed in 2017 that he had been battling leukaemia, but all is 'going well' now.
His last game calling AFL was last year's grand final, which saw Richmond defeat Geelong.
James Brayshaw will take over from McAvaney for Friday night games.
