AFL’s Sir Doug Nicholls Round takes centre stage on Seven and 7plus with Grand Final rematch
The AFL’s annual Sir Doug Nicholls Round will dominate screens across the next fortnight, with a blockbuster Grand Final rematch between the Brisbane Lions and Geelong Cats leading Seven’s coverage, alongside the return of the iconic Dreamtime at the ‘G clash between Essendon and Richmond.
The network confirmed the coverage will be broadcast live and free across Seven, 7mate and 7plus Sport, with the opening match of the round beginning on Thursday, 14 May.
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The Brisbane Lions will host the Geelong Cats at the Gabba in what shapes as one of the standout fixtures of the AFL season so far. Coverage begins from 7.00pm AEST with Seven also broadcasting the full pre-match cultural ceremony.
As part of the Thursday night coverage, Seven will air a half-time interview with 2026 Sir Doug Nicholls Round honouree Michael McLean.
Often known as “Magic” during his playing career, McLean played 183 AFL games across stints with Footscray and Brisbane, later becoming a two-time club champion with the Brisbane Bears.
The former star was also recognised for his advocacy work in advancing anti-racism within the AFL during the 1990s, including support for the introduction of the Peek Rule.
The annual Marn Grook fixture between the Sydney Swans and Collingwood will headline Friday night football coverage from the SCG, with Seven’s commentary team broadcasting live from 7.00pm AEST.
Coverage of the opening week of the round will conclude on Sunday afternoon when St Kilda takes on Richmond at Marvel Stadium.
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The broadcaster also confirmed its AFL panel programs would continue throughout the fortnight, with The Agenda Setters returning across Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday nights to examine the latest AFL headlines and match fallout.
On Wednesday night, The Front Bar returns nationally with hosts Andy Maher, Mick Molloy and Sam Pang, alongside guests including Gilbert McAdam and Adrian McAdam.
Following the panel show, Hamish McLachlan will sit down with Bradley Hill for a new episode of Unfiltered, where the St Kilda veteran reflects on his relationship with coach Ross Lyon and his 15th AFL season.
The second week of the round will feature another marquee fixture when Essendon and Richmond meet in Dreamtime at the ‘G on Friday, 22 May.
Seven’s coverage team for the match will include Chad Wingard, Abbey Holmes, James Brayshaw, Alister Nicholson, Dale Thomas, Matthew Richardson and Xander McGuire.
“It’s extremely special to be part of Seven’s Dreamtime at the ‘G coverage during Sir Doug Nicholls Round.
This round means so much to Indigenous players, families and communities and to be able to celebrate the contribution Indigenous people have made to our great game on such a big stage is amazing.
“Dreamtime at the ‘G is one of the most powerful nights on the AFL calendar, the atmosphere and the meaning behind the round is so important.
It’s on of those games you look at and wish I could have played on that stage at some point in my career, so I’m pumped to once again be part of Seven’s broadcast this year,” he said.
Seven Head of AFL and Sport Innovation Gary O’Keeffe said the network was proud to continue highlighting Indigenous stories throughout its AFL coverage.
“Sir Doug Nicholls Round firmly holds its place as one of the most important celebrations in Australian sport, and we are honoured to deliver an incredible two rounds to Australian audiences, live and free.
“At Seven, we are proud to lean into the rich culture, history and contribution of Indigenous Australians across our coverage,” he said.
“Through exclusive storytelling in our magazine programming and match broadcasts, we have the privilege of sharing the stories of some of our game’s greatest current and former Indigenous players with audiences across the country.
It’s our responsibility to help tell these stories, celebrate their impact on our game and communities, and we can’t wait to share them with all Australians over an action-packed two rounds.”
Six AFL clubs will again use traditional in-language names during the round, including Narrm (Melbourne), Walyalup (Fremantle), Yartapuulti (Port Adelaide), Euro-Yroke (St Kilda), Kuwarna (Adelaide) and Waalitj Marawar (West Coast Eagles).
**AFL Sir Doug Nicholls Round begins with Brisbane Lions v Geelong Cats from 7.00pm AEST Thursday, 14 May live on Seven, 7mate and 7plus Sport, followed by Sydney Swans v Collingwood from 7.00pm AEST Friday, 15 May, and Dreamtime at the ‘G featuring Essendon v Richmond from 7.00pm AEST Friday, 22 May on Seven, 7mate and 7plus Sport.
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