Post
Post
3AW Sports Today on Friday, 7 August 2026 is set to cover the AFL Round 22 fixture at the Gabba, where Brisbane Lions host Hawthorn at 7:40pm AEST. The programme is on 3AW Melbourne, with Jimmy Bartel presenting and Matthew Lloyd and Laura Spurway joining as pundits.
The match is one of the standout games of the round and is listed in the AFL schedule for Friday evening at the Gabba in Brisbane.[4][17] For listeners in the UK, the key detail is that this is an Australian radio broadcast rather than a British TV showing, so coverage will primarily be available through local Australian broadcast and AFL media channels rather than BBC, Sky, ITV or TNT.
Jimmy Bartel brings a decorated football background to the programme. A dual premiership player and Brownlow Medallist, he built a reputation at Geelong as one of the most reliable and intelligent midfielders of his era, and he has since become one of the AFL’s most recognisable media voices. His experience at the elite level gives 3AW’s AFL coverage strong tactical insight, particularly on big-game pressure and finals-style football.
Matthew Lloyd is also a familiar figure to AFL audiences. Best known for his prolific goalkicking career with Essendon, he later moved into punditry and analysis, where he is valued for blunt, detailed assessment of forward play, team structure and match-up trends. His voice is especially relevant for a game like Brisbane v Hawthorn, where scoring efficiency and inside-50 craft are likely to be decisive.
Laura Spurway adds further depth to the broadcast team. As a presenter and football media contributor, she has developed a strong profile in AFL coverage, helping bridge analysis, interviews and audience engagement. Her role on the programme supports a broader modern sports-radio format that combines expert commentary with accessible discussion for fans following the match live.
From a football perspective, Brisbane v Hawthorn is significant because the Lions have been one of the competition’s benchmark sides in recent seasons, while Hawthorn remains a club with a deep history and strong national following. The fixture at the Gabba is also important in the context of the 2026 home-and-away race, with Round 22 often shaping finals positioning and ladder pressure.[4][17]
For viewers and listeners looking to follow the match, the most relevant official competition listing is the AFL fixtures page, which confirms the round structure and schedule.[1][12] For further competition context and the live season calendar, the AFL’s own match listings are the best reference point.[1][12] More information about the league and its season structure can also be found on the AFL competition page.
In practical terms, 3AW Sports Today is a strong option for fans who want informed, personality-led AFL coverage with experienced voices and immediate reaction before, during and after the game. With Bartel, Lloyd and Spurway on air, the programme combines premiership pedigree, sharp analysis and modern sports broadcasting in one of the AFL’s most anticipated Friday night fixtures.
For official competition context, see the AFL’s season and match listing information at the AFL matches page.
Article generated: 7 August 2026, 09:01 GMT