How to Listen to AFL on 3AW: Jimmy Bartel Hosts with Matthew Lloyd and Sam McClure on 13 March 2026

Australian Rules Football fans in the UK and around the globe can tune into the 3AW Wide World of Sports programme for comprehensive coverage of the AFL match on Friday, 13 March 2026, kicking off at 07:00 UK time. Presented by the esteemed Jimmy Bartel, with expert analysis from Matthew Lloyd and Sam McClure, this broadcast on Melbourne's 3AW radio station promises incisive insights into the action[1][3][7]. While British channels like BBC, Sky Sports, ITV or TNT Sports do not carry this specific radio feed, international listeners can access it via online streaming on the 3AW website or app, making it accessible for early morning risers eager for authentic Aussie Rules commentary[5].

Jimmy Bartel, the presenter for this session, brings a wealth of experience from his stellar playing career with Geelong, where he won the Norm Smith Medal in the 2009 AFL Grand Final and secured three premierships. Transitioning seamlessly into media, Bartel has become a fixture on 3AW's football coverage, contributing as an expert commentator for major events like the 2025 AFL Grand Final alongside legends such as Tim Lane and Matt Granland[1][3]. His role extends to hosting pre-game panels and co-hosting the popular Eddie & Jimmy podcast with Eddie McGuire, where he dissects weekly AFL issues with unfiltered passion[5]. Additionally, Bartel joins the revamped Footy Classified on Channel 9, appearing on Monday nights with Lloyd, McClure and Damian Barrett to deliver hard-hitting analysis[4][6].

Joining Bartel as pundit, Matthew Lloyd is a 3AW stalwart and one of the station's key experts for 2026, listed among the elite alongside Leigh Matthews and Tony Shaw[3][7]. A former Essendon champion with 303 games and a reputation as one of the game's greatest goalkickers, Lloyd voiced concerns about Geelong's performance after a heavy loss to the Suns, highlighting his no-nonsense style[2]. His media career spans decades, including regular spots on Footy Classified since 2013, where he provides veteran perspectives on Monday and Tuesday panels[4][6]. Lloyd's partnership with Bartel on air, often debating team tactics, adds fiery depth to broadcasts[2].

Sam McClure rounds out the punditry with his sharp journalistic edge, serving as a boundary reporter and pre-game host for 3AW's AFL slate[1][3][5]. Known as one of the AFL's premier newsbreakers, McClure leads Monday nights on Footy Classified alongside Lloyd, Bartel and Barrett, breaking stories and sparking debates[4][6]. His role in Grand Final coverage, including pre-game panels with Matthew Richardson and Sam Docherty, underscores his status in Melbourne's football media landscape[1]. McClure's insights often focus on insider knowledge, making him invaluable for global audiences seeking the pulse of AFL discourse.

The 3AW Wide World of Sports programme exemplifies Melbourne radio's dominance in AFL coverage, with a 2026 team boasting callers like Tim Lane, Bruce Eva and Matt Granland, plus experts including Joel Selwood and Rory Sloane[3][7]. This match broadcast at 07:00 UK time aligns perfectly for British fans, who can stream live despite the early hour, catching pre-game build-up from the MCG concourse-style expertise that defined their 2025 Grand Final coverage[1]. For those new to AFL, the sport's high-octane mix of skill, strategy and physicality shines through such commentary, where pundits like these dissect every bounce and goal.

UK and international enthusiasts should note that while Fox Footy and Channel Seven handle TV rights in Australia—with stars like James Brayshaw and Brian Taylor—3AW offers the most connected radio experience[3]. Learn more about the AFL's broadcasting landscape via the official AFL site. With Bartel at the helm, Lloyd's goalkicking wisdom and McClure's breaking news, this 13 March 2026 session is unmissable for anyone passionate about Aussie Rules, bridging Melbourne's footy heart to global airwaves.

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Article generated: 12 March 2026, 19:02 GMT