ANZAC Day Showdown: Essendon vs Collingwood Live on TNT Sports 3, ABC and 7+ as British Viewers Get Front-Row Seats to AFL's Biggest Annual Clash

British and global audiences will have multiple premium viewing options for one of Australian Rules Football's most significant fixtures as Essendon takes on Collingwood in Round 7 of the 2026 AFL Premiership at the Melbourne Cricket Ground. The match, which kicks off at 08:20 GMT on Saturday morning, will be broadcast live on TNT Sports 3 and HBO Max UK, alongside simultaneous coverage through the world feed on ABC Australia, Fox Soccer Plus in the United States, and TSN Canada 2.

For UK viewers specifically, TNT Sports 3 will provide comprehensive coverage of this ANZAC Day commemoration match, one of the Australian football calendar's most sacred occasions. The fixture marks a poignant moment in the sporting year, as both teams and the AFL community pause to honour Australia's military service members. The MCG will host an ANZAC Observance Ceremony beginning at 15:06 Australian Eastern Time, with the match commencing at 15:20 AEST (04:20 GMT), though the fixture will be pre-recorded and broadcast to UK audiences during their morning slot.

The world feed commentary team will be led by seasoned AFL broadcasting veterans Brian Taylor and James Brayshaw, supported by co-commentators Dale Thomas and Nick Riewoldt. Thomas, a former Carlton midfielder renowned for his high football intelligence and tactical analysis, brings considerable credibility to the commentary box, whilst Riewoldt, a legendary St Kilda forward and one of AFL's most prolific goal-kickers, offers expert insight into forward line dynamics. Abbey Holmes will provide on-ground reporting throughout the broadcast.

Australian domestic coverage will be equally comprehensive. In Victoria, Western Australia and South Australia, listeners can tune into 3AW Melbourne, 6PR Perth and FiveAA Adelaide, where Tony Leonard and Bruce Eva will lead commentary, supported by the analytical prowess of Leigh Matthews and Matthew Lloyd. Matthews, a former Hawthorn premiership coach, remains one of Australian football's most respected voices, whilst Lloyd, an accomplished forward during his playing career, provides valuable forward craft analysis.

For television viewers in Australia, Channel 7 and 7+ will broadcast the match with Hamish McLachlan as host and Abbey Holmes as co-presenter. The broadcast will utilise world feed commentators alongside Mitch Cleary providing ground reports. Premium streaming platforms including Kayo Sports, BINGE and Fox Footy will feature commentary from Anthony Hudson and co-commentators Jason Dunstall and Garry Lyon, with pundits David King and Jack Riewoldt offering pre and post-match analysis.

Radio listeners will have access to multiple commentary options. SEN1116 Melbourne, AFL Nation and the SEN App will broadcast Gerard Whateley and Andy Maher on commentary with Adam Simpson providing co-commentary duties. Triple M and LiSTNR will feature Alister Nicholson and Jack Heverin on main commentary, supported by Isaac Smith and Kate McCarthy, with Michael Roberts reporting and Ash Chua providing statistical analysis. ABC Sport will broadcast Corbin Middlemas and Ben Cameron on commentary alongside Mick Malthouse and Luke Ball.

This ANZAC Day encounter holds particular significance within the AFL calendar. General public tickets for the MCG fixture sold out comprehensively, with AFL Reserve tickets also exhausted, underscoring the match's cultural importance beyond competitive considerations. The gates open at 12:00 noon Australian Eastern Time, with the Veterans Motorcade scheduled for 14:25 before the ceremonial proceedings commence. The fixture represents the pinnacle of Australian football's respect for national commemorative occasions, combining sporting excellence with genuine acknowledgement of sacrifice and service.

Article generated: 25 April 2026, 06:21 GMT