How to Watch Western Australia v Victoria AFL Pre-Season Clash on SEN Crunch Time with Andy Maher, Brad Johnson and Adam Cooney

The 2026 AFL pre-season kicks off with an exciting interstate showdown between Western Australia and Victoria at Optus Stadium on Saturday, February 14, at 4.40pm AWST, translating to 1:00am UK time—perfect for night owls and dedicated Aussie Rules fans across Britain and beyond. UK and global audiences eager to catch this early action can tune into the SEN Crunch Time programme via the SEN App or SEN1116 in Melbourne, hosted by the charismatic Andy Maher alongside pundits Brad Johnson and Adam Cooney. While traditional British channels like BBC, Sky Sports, ITV or TNT Sports are not broadcasting this specific pre-season match—as AFL pre-season coverage often relies on digital radio and apps rather than linear TV—the SEN platforms offer comprehensive live commentary, analysis, and insights straight from the heart of Australian football.

This fixture marks the beginning of a packed pre-season schedule, blending state pride with club preparations ahead of the main AFL campaign starting in March. Western Australia, representing the proud footy heartland of Perth, faces off against Victoria, the traditional powerhouse state, in a match structured with four 30-minute quarters and no time-on, ensuring a fast-paced spectacle. For British fans, who have grown their love for the AFL through landmark TV deals like Foxtel and Kayo Sports partnerships, accessing SEN via app is straightforward, delivering high-quality audio coverage without geographical barriers. Download the SEN App for seamless streaming on mobile or desktop, and immerse yourself in the electric atmosphere of Optus Stadium, home to epic AFL encounters.

Leading the coverage is Andy Maher, a broadcasting legend in Australian sports media with over three decades of experience. Maher's career highlights include hosting iconic shows on Channel 7, calling AFL games for radio and TV, and his infectious passion for the game has made him a household name Down Under. Known for his sharp wit and deep knowledge, Maher has covered premierships, Brownlow Medals, and every twist in the AFL calendar, often drawing on his Victorian roots to provide balanced, engaging commentary. Teaming up with him are two Brownlow Medal winners whose insights promise invaluable pre-season breakdowns.

Brad Johnson, a Western Bulldogs icon, brings 364 games of elite experience to the SEN booth. The 2001 Brownlow Medal winner captained the Dogs to their drought-breaking 2016 premiership, etching his name in folklore with a selfless team-first approach. Post-retirement, Johnson's media career has flourished; he's a regular on SEN, Fox Footy, and various podcasts, dissecting tactics and player form with the precision of a former star key forward. His analysis of Western Australia's emerging talents versus Victoria's polished lineup will be must-listen for fans tracking pre-season form.

Joining the panel is Adam Cooney, the 2006 Brownlow Medal recipient and dual-premiership player with Geelong and Essendon. Cooney's 199-game career showcased his explosive midfield prowess, earning him a spot in the Western Bulldogs' team of the century discussions despite his later moves. Now a respected pundit on Channel 7 and SEN, Cooney excels at breaking down modern game trends like contested possessions and stoppage work—crucial elements in this shortened pre-season format. His fresh perspectives from recent coaching stints add layers to the SEN Crunch Time discussion.

Why tune in early? Pre-season matches like Western Australia v Victoria often reveal hidden gems—young prospects pushing for AFL spots, veterans shaking off rust, and tactical experiments that shape Opening Round line-ups. The full 2026 pre-season slate includes intrastate hits like Hawthorn v Geelong on February 16 at Kennedy Community Centre (1.45pm AEDT), Collingwood v Greater Western Sydney at La Trobe University (11am AEDT), and Melbourne v North Melbourne at Casey Fields (4.30pm AEDT), all with unique quarter lengths to simulate pressure scenarios. Later, the official AAMI Community Series from February 25 features Carlton v Geelong at Ikon Park, building hype towards the March 5 season launch.

For global fans, SEN's digital reach democratises access to AFL's grassroots excitement. Unlike the premiership season's structured TV rights—where British viewers might catch highlights on Sky Sports—pre-season relies on radio powerhouses like SEN. The SEN App supports live streaming, replays, and podcasts, while SEN1116 caters to Melbourne locals craving that authentic footy radio vibe. Expect Maher to rally callers from Perth and Victoria, capturing state rivalry banter that's as old as the game itself.

AFL pre-season has evolved into a proving ground, especially post-2020 hub disruptions, emphasising fitness and cohesion. Optus Stadium, with its retractable roof and pristine turf, hosted record crowds in 2024's AFL finals; this state clash could draw similar passion. Pundits like Johnson and Cooney, both products of Victorian talent pipelines, will scrutinise how Western Australia counters with WAFL standouts, mirroring club pathways that feed into West Coast and Fremantle.

Learn more about the stars: delve into Brad Johnson's legacy via his Wikipedia profile, explore Adam Cooney's achievements on his dedicated page, and check the official AFL site for full pre-season details and team news. These resources highlight careers that span premiership glory to media stardom.

British interest in AFL surges annually, with clubs touring the UK and events like the 2023 International Cup boosting visibility. Matches at dawn UK time suit shift workers and insomniacs, fostering online communities debating Johnson-era Bulldog tactics or Cooney's Brownlow masterclass. Maher's hosting prowess, honed through Olympics coverage and AFL Grand Finals, ensures no dull moments—from goal umpire howls to post-match hot takes.

As the 2026 season looms, this opener sets tones: Will Western Australia defend home turf like West Coast's 2024 resurgence? Can Victoria unleash future stars akin to recent draftees? SEN Crunch Time unpacks it all, blending nostalgia with foresight. Stream now on the SEN App, adjust for that 1:00am UK kick-off, and join the global chorus cheering Aussie Rules' raw intensity.

Beyond this match, the pre-season calendar packs value: Port Adelaide v Adelaide at Alberton Oval (5.30pm ACDT, free entry), intraclub vibes at the NEC Hangar, and regional showcases leading to AAMI series clashes like Sydney v GWS at Henson Park (February 26). Johnson's Bulldogs connection shines when previewing later Western Bulldogs v Hawthorn, while Cooney eyes Geelong prep.

In summary—without redundancy—SEN delivers premium access for international fans, spotlighting expertise from Maher, Johnson, and Cooney. Their combined IQ elevates coverage, making 1:00am worthwhile. Whether you're a Docker devotee, Demon diehard, or neutral observer, this broadcast captures AFL's unfiltered essence ahead of another blockbuster year. Tune in, absorb the analysis, and gear up for March madness.

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Article generated: 14 February 2026, 00:57 GMT