Bruce McAvaney

Bruce William McAvaney OAM (born 22 June 1953 in Ferryden Park, South Australia) is an Australian sports broadcaster with the Seven Network. McAvaney has presented high-profile events including the AFL Grand Final, Melbourne Cup, Australian Open and Summer Olympics. McAvaney is well known for his commentary of AFL matches as well as covering every Summer Olympic Games from Moscow 1980 until London 2012.

Early years

The son of an Adelaide accountant, McAvaney developed an early interest in sport and race calling. After attending Woodville High School (and failing Year 12) he spent five years as a Telecom clerk. Then in 1976 during a day off work, McAvaney travelled to Kilmore, Victoria to bet on some races. There, he met Kevin Hillier, an Adelaide race caller, who suggested McAvaney help him out back in Adelaide. This launched his career in the sports media, joining Adelaide radio station 5DN, calling horse races and later hosting a sports show.

Television career

McAvaney moved to television in 1978, when he joined Adelaide station ADS-7 to read sport news and produce the weekly Racetrack program. His career received a boost when colleague Sandy Roberts covered the 1980 Moscow Olympics for Seven, and Bruce was chosen to host the Adelaide end of the telecast for the station.