Historic Anzac Day clash headlines Seven’s AFL and dawn service coverage
A long-standing AFL tradition returns this weekend as Collingwood and Essendon face off in the annual Anzac Day match at the MCG, forming the centrepiece of a broad slate of commemorative programming across Seven and 7plus Sport.
The match, scheduled for Saturday, 25 April, continues a fixture first played in 1995, honouring the service of Anzacs who served in wars, conflicts and peacekeeping missions, particularly those deployed to Gallipoli.
Coverage will begin at 2.00pm AEST, with the network broadcasting the full pre-game ceremony, including the traditional moment of silence and motorcade. The first bounce is set to follow from 3.00pm, with the match airing live and free across Seven, 7mate and 7plus Sport.
Hamish McLachlan will lead the broadcast, joined by commentators Brian Taylor and James Brayshaw. Expert analysis will come from Dale Thomas and Nick Riewoldt, while Abbey Holmes and Mitch Cleary will report from the boundary.
Having played in the Anzac Day fixture seven times for Collingwood Football Club, Dale Thomas is expected to offer insight into the significance of the occasion for players and fans alike.
Earlier in the day, Sunrise will deliver extensive Anzac Day coverage beginning at 4.20am AEST. Hosted by Natalie Barr and Matt Shirvington, the program will broadcast live from the dawn service at North Bondi RSL, marking the first time the service has been televised nationally.
According to the network, the broadcast will also include crosses to commemorations across Canberra, Brisbane, Sydney, Melbourne, Adelaide, Perth, as well as international locations including Gallipoli and Villers-Bretonneux in France.
Throughout the morning, viewers will hear from veterans, serving personnel and families, alongside appearances from public figures reflecting on remembrance and service.
Hame will last will be on after the afl grand final.