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If you are tuning in for AFL finals build-up on 3AW, 3AW Sports Today on Friday, 18 September 2026 is scheduled with Jimmy Bartel as presenter, alongside Matthew Lloyd and Sam McClure as pundits. The main football focus on the day is the Sydney Swans v Fremantle preliminary final at the SCG, which starts at 7.40pm AEST and decides who reaches the 2026 AFL Grand Final.[4][13][20]
For British and global viewers looking for where to follow the match, the official broadcast information points to the Seven Network and Foxtel in Australia, with streaming via 7plus, Kayo and Binge.[4][20] ESPN’s fixtures listings also confirm the day’s preliminary final slot for Sydney against Fremantle.[1][3]
Jimmy Bartel brings star power and strong football credibility to the microphone. A former Geelong champion, he is widely recognised as one of the modern game’s elite midfielders and has since built a high-profile media career, making him a natural lead voice for AFL finals discussion. Matthew Lloyd, a former Essendon spearhead, is one of the most established forward commentators in Australian football media, known for direct analysis and straight-talking opinion. Sam McClure is an experienced AFL journalist and broadcaster whose reporting is often centred on news, selection calls and club strategy, which suits finals-week coverage well.
The match itself is a major one for the 2026 season. AFL.com.au and the Sydney Swans both confirm that Sydney are hosting Fremantle at the SCG in the second preliminary final, with tickets sold out and the game set for a prime Friday night slot.[13][20] ESPN’s team news says Sydney winger Justin McInerney is set to return, while key forward Joel Amartey remains unavailable for the Swans.[2][11]
That team-news angle adds extra interest to the broadcast coverage, because finals programming often blends tactical debate with late selection updates. ESPN’s preview also lists Fremantle as the tip from its panel, while points and odds suggest a close but challenging assignment for Sydney.[2][11] In a broadcast like 3AW Sports Today, that means listeners can expect discussion not only of the line-up, but also of the key match-ups and momentum swings that could decide the game.
Although 3AW is Melbourne-based, it remains a major AFL radio destination for fans across Australia and beyond, particularly during finals. The combination of Bartel’s premiership pedigree, Lloyd’s sharp forward insight and McClure’s news-driven reporting gives the programme a well-rounded finals panel, especially for listeners wanting analysis before the action shifts to the SCG.
For fans who want a deeper look at the competition itself, the official AFL site offers further finals fixtures and coverage details, including the broader 2026 preliminary finals schedule.[13] More information on the league and its structure can be found via the official AFL website.
In short, 3AW Sports Today is the place to hear Jimmy Bartel, Matthew Lloyd and Sam McClure set the scene for a huge Sydney v Fremantle preliminary final, while television viewers can follow the match through the Australian rights holders and associated streaming services.[4][20]
Article generated: 18 September 2026, 09:00 GMT