How to Watch Carlton vs Collingwood AFL Clash: Jason Richardson Hosts Kick Ons with Kane Cornes, Josh Jenkins and Kate McCarthy

The blockbuster AFL Round 6 opener pits traditional rivals Carlton against Collingwood at the iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground on Thursday, 16 April 2026, kicking off at 7:30 pm AEST—that's 14:30 UK time for eager British and global fans. While UK viewers won't find this on familiar channels like BBC, Sky Sports, ITV or TNT Sports, Australian free-to-air broadcaster Channel 7 and 7plus will deliver comprehensive coverage, including the post-match show Kick Ons hosted by seasoned presenter Jason Richardson, featuring punditry from Kane Cornes, Josh Jenkins and Kate McCarthy.

This Thursday night rivalry reignites one of the AFL's fiercest derbies, with Carlton and Collingwood set to thrill under the lights at the MCG. British fans can stream via VPN on 7plus, making it accessible worldwide despite no native UK broadcast deal for the 2026 AFL season. The fixture promises high stakes, as both clubs vie for momentum in a packed schedule that includes Gather Round earlier in April.

Leading the Kick Ons panel is Jason Richardson, a staple of Channel 7's AFL coverage with over two decades anchoring footy shows. His smooth delivery and deep game knowledge have made him a fan favourite, often bridging expert analysis with accessible insights for viewers new to Aussie Rules.

Joining him is Kane Cornes, the no-nonsense Port Adelaide premiership hero who played 300 games and won the 2004 flag. Now a sharp analyst, Cornes is renowned for his tactical breakdowns and bold takes, frequently calling out underperformers—a trait that sparks debate across AFL media. His transition from player to pundit mirrors the likes of British football's Gary Neville, blending insider expertise with unfiltered opinion.

Josh Jenkins brings a forward's perspective, having booted 441 goals in 182 AFL games across Geelong, Essendon and Adelaide. Retiring in 2021, he quickly became a Channel 7 regular, praised for his ruck knowledge and player empathy, offering balanced views on strategy and selection that resonate with global audiences discovering the sport.

Completing the trio is Kate McCarthy, a rising star in AFL broadcasting whose infectious energy lights up panels. With a background in journalism and netball, she provides nuanced takes on player welfare and off-field stories, earning accolades for championing women's footy amid the AFLW boom. Her rapport with co-panellists ensures lively post-game dissection.

For UK and international fans, catching Carlton vs Collingwood means tuning into 7plus—Channel 7's streaming platform offering live action, replays and expert commentary without a paywall. The 2026 AFL season fixture highlights Thursday night thrillers like this one, following Gather Round's festival vibe in South Australia from 9-12 April. Expect intense physicality, with historical stats showing tight contests: recent MCG clashes often decided by under 20 points.

The match's significance amplifies with both teams' form lines. Carlton, under pressure post-Gather Round struggles, face a Collingwood side hungry to assert dominance in this storied rivalry dating back to 1897. Pundits like Cornes will dissect clearances and disposals, key metrics where Collingwood edged recent stats.

British interest in AFL grows annually, with expat communities and new converts drawn to its unique blend of speed and skill. No Sky or TNT deal this year keeps it exclusive to Aussie streams, but global access via 7plus bridges the gap. For more on the AFL's global push, check AFL's official history.

As Round 6 unfolds, Kick Ons promises heated debate on what this result means for finals races, including the innovative Wildcard Finals round. Whether you're a die-hard Blues or Magpies supporter or a curious newcomer, Richardson's crew delivers the perfect post-match companion. Set your alarms for 14:30 UK time—AFL's electric atmosphere awaits.

Article generated: 16 April 2026, 14:30 GMT