Friday Huddle on LiSTNR and Triple M: Mark Howard Leads Pre-Round Debate with AFL Legends Jason Dunstall and Nathan Brown

Mark Howard will anchor the Friday Huddle programme on LiSTNR and Triple M, bringing together two of Australian Rules Football's most respected voices to preview Round 1 action. The show features pundit analysis from Jason Dunstall and Nathan Brown, with Damian Barrett providing additional expert commentary as the 2026 AFL Premiership season reaches its opening weekend.

The Friday Huddle arrives at a pivotal moment in the AFL calendar, with Round 1 well underway following the traditional Thursday night Carlton versus Richmond clash at the MCG. Friday night brings Essendon's encounter with Hawthorn at the MCG, a fixture that promises to captivate listeners tuning in via LiSTNR and Triple M's comprehensive coverage. The radio and digital platform combination ensures fans across the United Kingdom and globally can access expert analysis and debate surrounding the competition's opening fortnight.

Jason Dunstall brings formidable credentials to the commentary box, having established himself as one of Australian Rules Football's most incisive analysts. The former Hawthorn forward's playing career saw him accumulate significant honours in the VFL/AFL, experience that translates into sharp tactical observation and player assessment. Dunstall's presence on Friday Huddle provides listeners with insider perspective on how teams are positioning themselves in the early rounds, particularly valuable when analysing emerging form and strategic adjustments.

Nathan Brown represents another layer of analytical expertise, complementing Dunstall's observations with his own extensive background in Australian Rules Football. Brown's contributions to Friday Huddle discussions offer listeners a multifaceted examination of Round 1 developments, team performances, and the trajectory of contenders as they enter the season. His analytical framework helps audiences understand the nuances distinguishing successful early-season form from sustainable premiership credentials.

Damian Barrett rounds out the expert panel, contributing to the programme's comprehensive coverage of AFL developments. Barrett's involvement ensures the Friday Huddle maintains its position as essential listening for serious AFL followers seeking authoritative commentary beyond basic match reporting.

Mark Howard's role as presenter establishes the discussion framework, guiding conversation through the week's developments and ensuring listeners receive balanced, informative analysis. The Friday Huddle format on LiSTNR and Triple M enables comprehensive exploration of topics that may receive limited attention elsewhere, particularly valuable for international audiences developing deeper engagement with the competition.

The timing of Friday Huddle positions it as the definitive pre-weekend preview programme, allowing listeners to absorb expert perspectives before Saturday and Sunday's remaining Round 1 fixtures. Collingwood's clash with Adelaide Crows at the MCG on Saturday evening and Melbourne's meeting with St Kilda on Sunday afternoon represent significant Round 1 matchups that Friday Huddle's panel will undoubtedly address.

For British and global audiences, LiSTNR and Triple M's digital platforms ensure accessibility regardless of geographical location, democratising access to elite-level AFL commentary traditionally concentrated within Australian broadcasting. The Friday Huddle represents a cornerstone programme for anyone serious about understanding the 2026 AFL Premiership season, combining comprehensive fixture knowledge with expert analytical perspective.

Article generated: 13 March 2026, 05:26 GMT