How to Watch AFL on 17 July 2026: Jimmy Bartel, Matthew Lloyd & Sam McClure Host 3AW Wide World of Sports
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How to Watch AFL on 17 July 2026: Jimmy Bartel, Matthew Lloyd & Sam McClure Host 3AW Wide World of Sports
For AFL fans in the UK and globally looking to catch the action on 17 July 2026, the definitive broadcast will be on 3AW (Melbourne), airing the 3AW Wide World of Sports programme at 09:00 UK time. While British broadcasters like Sky Sports, TNT, or the BBC do not currently carry live AFL matches, the world feed via 3AW offers the most comprehensive audio coverage, complete with elite commentary and analysis from the station's star panel.
The show is anchored by former Geelong captain and AFL legend Jimmy Bartel, who has taken over as the new host of Wide World of Sports in a role marking a fresh era for the program [8]. Bartel, who won four premierships with the Cats and is a three-time All-Australian, transitioned from his playing career to become one of Melbourne's most respected football voices, regularly featured on 3AW's Thursday and Friday night football broadcasts [2][5]. His appointment as host elevates the programme's prestige, blending firsthand player insight with sharp media analysis.
Joining Bartel are two of Australia's most iconic football pundits: Matthew Lloyd and Sam McClure. Lloyd, a former Essendon champion and 2000 AFL Team of the Century inductee, is a cornerstone of 3AW's football coverage, known for his tactical breakdowns and candid commentary [1][2]. His presence on Friday Night Football alongside Bartel is a regular fixture in the station's 2025 and 2026 lineup [2].Sam McClure, a veteran journalist and long-time AFL reporter, brings decades of investigative experience to the panel. McClure serves on 3AW's 2026 journalist team and was the inaugural host of Wide World of Sports upon its 2023 debut, making his return to the show a significant moment for the program [1][3]. His background includes extensive reporting for major outlets like The Age and Herald Sun, where he has covered every major AFL story for over two decades.
Australian listeners can tune in via 693AM or DAB in Melbourne, while global fans can stream nationally through the 3AW app, which also features a new audio sync feature to align commentary with any video feed viewers may be watching [5]. The station's coverage is also syndicated on 4BC in Brisbane and accessible in Sydney via the 2GB app, ensuring wide reach across Australia [5]. For international audiences, the 3AW app remains the primary gateway to live AFL radio, offering real-time match updates, pre-game previews, and post-game analysis without the need for a traditional TV subscription.
Unlike UK television rights, which have historically been limited to select replays or highlights, 3AW provides continuous, live coverage of the entire AFL season, including the crucial mid-year rounds leading into the finals. The station's 2026 football team includes a full roster of commentators such as Tim Lane, Anthony Hudson, and Bruce Eva, along with experts like Leigh Matthews and Tony Shaw, ensuring depth and variety across all broadcasts [6][7]. This all-star lineup has made 3AW synonymous with football in Melbourne, dominating local ratings and setting the standard for AFL radio commentary [8].
Whether you are a die-hard supporter tracking your team's finals push or a casual fan exploring the sport, the 3AW Wide World of Sports broadcast on 17 July is your best option for immersive, expert-led AFL coverage. With Bartel's leadership, Lloyd's tactical genius, and McClure's journalistic depth, the programme delivers an authentic Australian football experience that transcends borders.
To learn more about the AFL broadcast schedule and global viewing options, visit the official AFL Broadcast Guide.
Article generated: 16 July 2026, 21:01 GMT