Tune In to LiSTNR and Triple M: Mark Howard Hosts Friday Huddle with AFL Legends for Western Bulldogs vs Fremantle Clash

Australian Football League (AFL) fans across the UK and globally can catch the excitement of the Western Bulldogs versus Fremantle Dockers match on 1 May 2026 at Marvel Stadium, kicking off at 7:30 PM AEDT, which translates to 07:00 UK time. While British channels like BBC, Sky Sports, ITV, or TNT Sports do not carry this fixture, the premier pre-game coverage comes via the Friday Huddle programme on LiSTNR and Triple M, hosted by the charismatic Mark Howard alongside pundits Jason Dunstall, Nathan Brown, and Damian Barrett. This powerhouse panel delivers incisive analysis ahead of a crucial Round 9 encounter in the 2026 AFL season.[5][4]

The Friday Huddle has become a staple for AFL enthusiasts, offering pre-match insights, player news, and bold predictions that set the tone for the weekend's action. With the 2026 season already delivering thrilling results—such as Geelong Cats' dominant 147-69 win over Fremantle in Round 1—this Bulldogs vs Dockers clash promises intensity, especially as both teams vie for ladder positions in a campaign featuring a new wildcard finals format for clubs finishing 7th to 10th.[1][2][5]

Leading the show is Mark Howard, a veteran broadcaster whose career spans decades in sports media. Known as 'Hower' to fans, Howard has called games for Sen Sevens and Triple M, bringing his engaging style and deep AFL knowledge to the Friday Huddle. His ability to blend humour with sharp commentary has made him a favourite, drawing listeners eager for his take on unfolding narratives like Fremantle's road to redemption after early setbacks.[4]

Joining Howard is Jason Dunstall, one of the greatest full-forwards in VFL/AFL history. A Hawthorn Hawks legend, Dunstall booted 1,254 goals in 269 games, earning Hall of Fame induction and four premierships. Retiring in 1998, he transitioned seamlessly into punditry, offering tactical breakdowns rooted in his elite experience—perfect for dissecting the Bulldogs' forward-line pressures against Fremantle's defence.[5]

Nathan Brown adds a gritty perspective as a former Western Bulldogs and St Kilda Saints player. Capped 109 games, Brown won a flag with the Bulldogs in 2001 and later coached at Richmond, honing his strategic eye. Now a respected analyst on Triple M, his no-nonsense views on team selections and match-ups will be invaluable, particularly with his Bulldogs ties amplifying insights into this home clash.[4]

Rounding out the trio is Damian Barrett, a journalism heavyweight with insider access. Barrett's career includes stints as AFL Record editor and Fox Footy host, where his investigative reporting and bold opinions have shaped discourse. A lifelong North Melbourne supporter, he brings unparalleled knowledge of player movements and club dynamics, ensuring the Friday Huddle uncovers angles fans won't find elsewhere.[5]

For UK and global audiences, streaming LiSTNR or Triple M apps provides seamless access to this coverage, ideal for early risers at 07:00 UK time. The 2026 AFL fixture, released with full details for Rounds 1-15, packs high-stakes games like the Showdown between Adelaide Crows and Port Adelaide on the same Friday, heightening weekend fever.[3][1] While no UK TV rights from BBC or Sky cover this specific match, radio-style podcasts via LiSTNR offer vivid, real-time engagement comparable to world feeds.

The Western Bulldogs, fresh off early-season wins like their 113-97 triumph over North Melbourne, host a Fremantle side rebuilding post-Round 1 loss. Expect discussions on key players, injury updates, and ladder implications in a season culminating in a five-week finals series.[2][5] Learn more about the AFL's governing body and season structure for deeper context.

This Friday Huddle edition stands out in a fixture brimming with Thursday night thrillers and the Gather Round festival, underscoring why Triple M remains AFL radio's gold standard. Tune in to LiSTNR or Triple M from 07:00 UK time, as Howard, Dunstall, Brown, and Barrett prime you for what could be a defining Bulldogs victory at Marvel Stadium. With their combined expertise—spanning 1,000+ games and media accolades—the panel guarantees unmatched pre-game value for fans worldwide.[1][4]

Article generated: 1 May 2026, 07:01 GMT