Suns-Pies Thriller: 2026 TV Footy’s Next Big Thing

Broadcasters Prioritise Quality Over Following in AFL Scheduling

The days of AFL’s biggest clubs automatically dominating prime-time television slots are numbered. Broadcasters are signalling a significant shift, indicating that fan appetite now leans towards watching the most compelling contests, regardless of a club’s traditional supporter base. This move away from simply favouring large memberships could reshape how games are scheduled, particularly in the crucial latter stages of the season.

Channel Seven, one of the league’s key broadcast partners, has pointed to a telling example from the upcoming 2025 season. They claim that their highest-rated regular-season game, excluding finals and public holidays, featured the Gold Coast Suns – a club known for having one of the smallest membership numbers in the competition. This unexpected surge in viewership for a team outside the traditional powerhouses suggests a growing preference among fans for high-quality, competitive football.

This evolving viewing behaviour is expected to directly influence the AFL’s “floating fixture” in the latter part of the 2026 season. Both Seven and fellow broadcaster Foxtel are keen to bolster ratings, particularly in the Thursday-night timeslot, which experienced mixed success last year. While the early part of the season saw strong viewership for these marquee games, ratings reportedly dipped significantly towards the end of the season. This decline was particularly noticeable when teams that were already out of finals contention were scheduled for these prime slots.

The average national ratings per game on Seven for the Thursday-night slot were 576,000 in 2025, a decrease from the 630,000 recorded in the previous year, when only 14 such matches were played. Despite the AFL’s attempt to leverage the floating fixture by scheduling clubs with large supporter bases for many of these Thursday games, the ratings ultimately faltered when the stakes were lower for those teams.

Chris Jones, Seven’s director of sport, acknowledged this shift and has been working closely with AFL broadcasting and fixture management to address the issue. He drew a parallel to the evolution of cricket broadcasting.

“Once upon a time, it was the Melbourne Stars, Sydney Sixers, big markets, big teams that you would just want to schedule everywhere,” Jones explained. “We saw in the Big Bash, and late in the [AFL] season last year, if Essendon and Carlton weren’t going so well, those numbers were down – people just want to watch great sporting contests at the moment.”

The Rise of Competitive Matchups

Jones reiterated the Gold Coast versus Collingwood game as a prime example of this trend. “Our highest rating regular-season game last year was Gold Coast [versus] Collingwood. To say that Gold Coast, on a Friday night, would be the highest rating game of the year two or three years ago, you wouldn’t have thought that was possible.”

This insight has led to a strategic recalibration. Seven is now prioritising teams that are firmly in contention for the top 10 spots on the ladder, especially towards the end of the season. The aim is to feature these high-stakes matchups in the coveted Thursday and Friday night slots as much as possible.

The scheduling challenges were further compounded by events like the cyclone-impacted clash between Essendon and Gold Coast, which had to be rescheduled to the end of the season. With Essendon already out of finals contention by then, this did little to help boost ratings.

The AFL’s recent decision to introduce a wildcard round, effectively expanding the finals race to a top-10 system, is also expected to contribute to increased interest. This initiative ensures that more teams remain in contention for longer, thereby generating greater excitement and potentially higher viewership across a wider range of games. Furthermore, Jones noted that Sunday-night games are now considered on par with Thursday and Friday nights in terms of their importance as marquee viewing slots.

A Packed Footy Media Landscape

Beyond game scheduling, the AFL media landscape is also set for a busy year. For those who found keeping up with the 16 footy shows on television last season a challenge, the upcoming season promises even more content. Channel Seven is adding a third episode of its flagship footy news program, The Agenda Setters, to its Wednesday night schedule. Notably, Collingwood premiership captain Darcy Moore will be a regular panellist on this show.

Following a significant shake-up in the media landscape last season, marking the first year of the league’s substantial $4.5 billion, seven-year broadcast deal, insiders at Seven and Fox Footy anticipate 2026 to be a period of consolidation and refinement. However, there are still new faces and voices joining the coverage.

Former Port Adelaide coach Ken Hinkley is set to make his debut as a prominent game-day commentator with Fox Footy. He will join an already impressive roster that includes established names like Jason Dunstall, Garry Lyon, and Jack Riewoldt. Meanwhile, Seven has secured the talents of former Hawthorn great Shane Crawford and Triple M caller Jack Heverin to enhance their match coverage. Collingwood champion Scott Pendlebury will also be making appearances on Seven for selected rounds.

Tom Morris, a former highly regarded news-breaking reporter for Nine, has also joined Seven. He is expected to contribute to game-day coverage and Agenda Setters. However, a contractual clause will restrict his appearance on Seven News until July 1. The specifics surrounding Morris’s role remain under wraps, given the sensitive nature of his move from Nine, which is the owner of this publication.

In a notable departure, premiership great Dermott Brereton has left Fox Footy after his role was reportedly set to be reduced. Brereton has been a long-standing and influential figure across radio, print, and television for decades, and his absence from the screen will be keenly felt by many fans.

Both Seven and Fox Footy have maintained a relatively low profile regarding their official season launches, allowing fans to prepare for the upcoming schedule.

Your Weekly Footy Viewing Guide

Here’s a breakdown of the key AFL programs and their broadcast details for the week:

SUNDAY

Sunday Footy Show (Nine, 9Now): Kicking off at 10 am, this long-running program is known for its in-depth analysis and light-hearted segments. Hosted by Tony Jones, the panel includes the strong opinions of Matthew Lloyd and the humour of Nathan Brown, with veteran journalist Damian Barrett providing a steadying influence.
Sunday Footy Feast (Seven, 7Plus): Airing from noon to 2:30 pm, this pre-game show was a valuable addition to Seven’s schedule last season. Featuring a rotation of Seven’s football personalities, often hosted by Jason Richardson, with Campbell Brown and Kate McCarthy as regular panellists, it has the potential to evolve into a more polished, ESPN-style production.
Sunday Ticket (Fox Footy, Kayo): From 12:30 pm to 1:20 pm, this show sets the stage for the afternoon’s games, with insights and news from Jack Riewoldt, Kath Loughnan, and David King, alongside commentators. Like Sunday Footy Feast, this program also has scope for expansion.
- Fox Footy, Kayo: Live game coverage from 1:20 pm to 3 pm.
- Fox Footy, Kayo: Sunday Ticket from 3 pm to 3:20 pm.
- Fox Footy, Kayo: Live game coverage from 3:20 pm.
- The Wash Up (7Mate, 7Plus): This hour-long post-game review show, starting at 6 pm, offers fans a chance to dissect the day’s action and celebrate team successes, often missed due to news commitments.
- Kane’s Call (7Plus): Scheduled for 7 pm, this show is expected to return after Kane Cornes’s impactful presence on Seven’s commentary and analysis last season. Cornes, a former Port Adelaide premiership player and a consistent award winner, brought a much-needed edge. While not officially confirmed, it’s highly anticipated that Cornes will have a platform to share his immediate takes on the weekend’s major football stories.
- Bounce (Fox Footy, 8:30 pm): Hosted by Jason Dunstall, this weekly program provides a humorous look back at the week’s events, offering a lighter perspective on the often serious world of AFL.
- First Crack (Fox Footy, 9:30 pm): Considered one of Fox Footy’s most underrated shows, this program delivers sharp analysis and strong opinions, often presented by David King and Leigh Montagna, shortly after the day’s games conclude.

MONDAY

AFL Tonight (Fox Footy, 6 pm): Hosted by Drew Jones and AFLW star Ruby Schleicher, this program provides a comprehensive daily wrap-up of AFL news and events.
AFL360 (Fox Footy, 6:30 pm): With Garry Lyon co-hosting alongside Gerard Whateley, this established and award-winning show has maintained its rhythm and gained an edgier feel, competing effectively with more news-focused programs.
The Agenda Setters (7Mate, Seven, 7Plus, 7 pm): This analytical and news-driven show made a significant impact in its debut year in 2025. The Monday night edition, hosted by Craig Hutchison, featured opinion leaders like Kane Cornes and Nick Riewoldt, with veteran journalist Caroline Wilson providing key news updates. Wilson will continue her contributions to The Age and the Real Footy podcast. Cornes also hosted a Tuesday version with premiership players Luke Hodge and Dale Thomas, and Wilson again delivering the news. Tom Morris is also expected to feature on this show.
On the Couch (Fox Footy, 7:30 pm): Jack Riewoldt has settled into the host role for this program, which features a strong panel including Jonathan Brown, Nathan Buckley, and Jordan Lewis. The show continues to offer detailed analysis of players, teams, and tactics, upholding the legacy of past stalwarts.
Footy Classified (9Now, Nine, 7:30 pm): Hosted by The Age journalist Sam McClure, this respected AFL show underwent significant changes last season. Produced by McGuire’s JAM TV, Footy Classified remains a go-to for breaking news and insightful analysis, with McGuire contributing his extensive knowledge. Hird, Sloane, and Bartel are expected to continue playing significant roles.

TUESDAY

AFL Tonight (Fox Footy, 6 pm)
AFL360 (Fox Footy, 6:30 pm)
The Agenda Setters (Seven, 7Plus, 7 pm)
Footy Classified (Nine, 9Now, 7:30 pm)

WEDNESDAY

AFL Tonight (Fox Footy, 6 pm)
AFL360 (Fox Footy, 6:30 pm)
Unfiltered with Hamish McLachlan (7Plus, 7:30 pm): Produced by Hutchison’s Rainmaker company, McLachlan’s program typically features in-depth, personal interviews, sometimes incorporating news elements, as seen in his interview with Jobe Watson last season.
Agenda Setters (Seven, 7Plus, 7:30 pm): For the new Wednesday night edition, Craig Hutchison will commence as host, likely before Tom Morris is contractually cleared to take over. Nick Riewoldt and Mitch Cleary will also be part of the lineup, with Collingwood captain Darcy Moore joining as a regular panellist.
The Front Bar (Seven, 7Plus, 8:30 pm): This show offers a nostalgic and light-hearted look at the game, featuring past greats. Comedians Sam Pang and Mick Molloy provide comedic relief, expertly managed by host Andy Maher.

THURSDAY

AFL Tonight (Fox Footy, 6 pm)
Live game coverage (Fox Footy, Kayo, from 6:30 pm): The panel includes Sarah Jones, David King, Jason Dunstall, and Leigh Montagna, with Mark Howard, Matt Hill, and Jack Riewoldt among the commentary team.
Live game coverage (Seven, 7 pm):
- Hosts: Rebecca Maddern, Hamish McLachlan
- Callers: Brian Taylor, Hamish McLachlan
- Experts: Kane Cornes, Nick Riewoldt, Luke Hodge
- News: Mitch Cleary
Extra time, post-game (Seven): Following the game, Seven will provide analysis from their hosts and special commentators, with reports from dressing rooms and press conferences. Chief football reporter Mitch Cleary and Xander McGuire will be on the ground.

FRIDAY

AFL Tonight (Fox Footy, 6 pm)
Live game coverage (Fox Footy, from 6:30 pm): The panel features Garry Lyon, Nathan Brown, Nathan Buckley, and Jordan Lewis, with Anthony Hudson, Gerard Whateley, Jason Dunstall, and Garry Lyon among the commentary team.
Live game coverage (Seven, 7 pm):
- Hosts: Abbey Holmes, James Brayshaw
- Callers: James Brayshaw, Alister Nicholson
- Experts: Matthew Richardson, Dale Thomas, Scott Pendlebury, and others
- News: Xander McGuire
Extra time, post-game (Seven): This segment will offer further news and analysis from the night’s game, along with a preview of the weekend’s upcoming matches.

SATURDAY

All Saturday games throughout the home-and-away season will be broadcast exclusively on Fox Footy in Victoria, Tasmania, and the Northern Territory, with exceptions for Anzac Day games and the Dreamtime at the ’G match (which is scheduled for a Friday night). These exceptions will also be shown on Seven and 7plus.

From the Opening Round until round eight, Fox Footy holds exclusive rights to “Super Saturday” nationally, meaning live games are only available on Foxtel or Kayo. During this period, Saturday games involving non-Victorian teams will be broadcast into their respective home markets on Seven and 7plus, but on a delayed basis.

From round nine onwards, all games featuring South Australian and Western Australian teams will be broadcast live and free into their home markets on Seven and 7plus. Similarly, all games in New South Wales and Queensland will be broadcast live and free into their home markets on Seven and 7plus from round 11.

All finals matches from week one to three will be available on both Seven and 7plus, and Foxtel and Kayo. However, the Grand Final will be an exclusive broadcast on Seven and 7plus.