{"id":485893,"date":"2026-02-17T14:20:26","date_gmt":"2026-02-17T14:20:26","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/485893\/"},"modified":"2026-02-17T14:20:26","modified_gmt":"2026-02-17T14:20:26","slug":"your-television-guide-to-the-2026-footy-season-as-channel-seven-unveils-third-night-of-agenda-setters","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/485893\/","title":{"rendered":"Your television guide to the 2026 footy season as Channel Seven unveils third night of Agenda Setters"},"content":{"rendered":"

\u201cOur highest rating regular-season game last year was Gold Coast [versus] Collingwood. To say that Gold Coast, on a Friday night, would be the highest rating game of the year two or three years ago, you wouldn\u2019t have thought that was possible.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe are certainly prioritising at the back end of the year those teams that are there in the mix for the [top] 10. We will be trying to drive as many of those teams into Thursday and Friday night as possible.\u201d<\/p>\n

Jones said the need to reschedule the cyclone-impacted clash between Essendon and Gold Coast to the end of the season did not help, for the Bombers had long been out of finals contention.<\/p>\n

The league\u2019s decision to add a wildcard round, essentially creating a top-10 finals system, will generate greater interest and mean more teams are in contention to play in finals, while Jones said Sunday-night games now \u201csit alongside Thursday and Friday nights in terms of our marquee slots\u201d.<\/p>\n

The AFL\u2019s other recruiting spree<\/p>\n

If you thought it was hard work keeping up with the 16 footy shows<\/a> on TV across the week last season, it just got even harder.<\/p>\n

Channel Seven will cram a third episode of its flagship footy news program The Agenda Setters into the week, on Wednesday nights, with Collingwood premiership captain Darcy Moore as a regular panellist.<\/p>\n

\"Seven\u2019s<\/p>\n

Seven\u2019s team on the Monday night edition of The Agenda Setters.<\/p>\n

After last season\u2019s major media upheaval for the first year of the league\u2019s $4.5 billion, seven-year broadcast deal<\/a>, Seven and Fox Footy insiders predict 2026 will be a year of consolidation.<\/p>\n

However, there are some new faces. Former Port Adelaide coach Ken Hinkley<\/a> is a prominent new game-day voice with Fox Footy, joining the likes of Jason Dunstall, Garry Lyon and Jack Riewoldt, while Seven has snared former Hawthorn great Shane Crawford and Triple M caller Jack Heverin to join their match coverage.<\/p>\n

Collingwood champion Scott Pendlebury will appear on Seven for selected rounds.<\/p>\n

\"Strong<\/p>\n

Strong views: St Kilda great Nick Riewoldt, the straight-talking Kane Cornes and host Hamish McLachlan on Seven\u2019s AFL coverage.Credit: AAPIMAGE<\/p>\n

Tom Morris, the former news-breaking Nine chief footy reporter, has joined Seven, and is expected to be seen across game-day coverage and on Agenda Setters, but a contract clause means he cannot appear on Seven News until July 1. Seven remains tight-lipped on specifics regarding Morris, as his poaching from Nine (owner of this masthead) remains a delicate conversation.<\/p>\n

Premiership great Dermott Brereton has quit Fox Footy after his role was to be reduced. Brereton has been a staple for decades on radio<\/a>, in print and on the box. Hopefully, he is not lost to the game.<\/p>\n

Seven and Fox Footy have been keen to maintain a low profile until their official season launches. Here\u2019s what you need to know to lock in your weekly calendar.<\/p>\n

\"Ken<\/p>\n

Ken Hinkley has joined Fox Footy and SEN. Credit: Getty Images<\/p>\n

SUNDAY<\/p>\n

Nine, 9Now: Sunday Footy Show, 10am<\/p>\n

The Sunday morning dissection begins in earnest when Tony Jones fronts this long-running show known for its analysis and, well, schoolboy pranks. While the panel initially missed the searing hot takes of Kane \u201cVolkano\u201d Cornes last year after his defection to Seven, former Adelaide Crows captain Rory Sloane found his groove. The \u201cvelvet sledgehammer\u201d, Matthew Lloyd, boasting strong opinions and analysis, is a key presence, former Tiger and Bulldog Nathan Brown is always good for a laugh. Veteran journalist Damian Barrett provides a steady hand.<\/p>\n

Seven, 7Plus: Sunday Footy Feast, noon-2.30pm<\/p>\n

This may be a low-key production, but it was a much-needed addition to the Seven slate last season leading into the afternoon\u2019s marquee game. Seven rotated several of its football\/sport identities through the pre-game panel, with Jason Richardson often hosting, and former Hawk Campbell Brown and Kate McCarthy the regular panellists. There is room for his show to grow into a slick ESPN game-day type production, if JAMTV\/Seven are keen.<\/p>\n

\"Former<\/p>\n

Former AFLW player and commentator Kate McCarthy.<\/p>\n

Fox Footy, Kayo: Sunday Ticket, 12.30pm-1.20pm<\/p>\n

This show sets the table for the afternoon games. Jack Riewoldt, Kath Loughnan, David King and various commentators get the day moving with insights and news. Again, much like Sunday Footy Feast, there is room for this show to also expand into an NFL-type production.<\/p>\n

Fox Footy, Kayo: Game one: 1.20pm-3pm<\/p>\n

Fox Footy, Kayo: Sunday Ticket: 3pm-3.20pm<\/p>\n

Fox Footy, Kayo: Game two: 3.20pm<\/p>\n

Seven, 7Plus: Live game, 3.20pm<\/p>\n

Fox Footy, Kayo: Sunday Ticket: 4pm<\/p>\n

Fox Footy, Kayo: Game three: 4.40pm<\/p>\n

Loading<\/p>\n

7Mate, 7Plus: The Wash Up, 6pm
This hour-long review show gives fans a chance to switch from the primary channel and join in the team song and overall post-game analysis, typically missed when the afternoon game bleeds into the nightly news.<\/p>\n

7Plus: Kane\u2019s Call, 7pm
Last year we dubbed Seven \u201cChannel Corn\u201d, and we were right. The former Port Adelaide premiership player turned prominent media figure \u2013 he won the 2025 Alf Brown Award for the second straight year at the Australian Football Media Association awards \u2013 provided an edge to Seven\u2019s overall commentary and analysis which had been missing. Seven have not confirmed if this show will return, but it would surprise if Cornes is not given the opportunity to have his first take on the major issues of the weekend.<\/p>\n

Fox Footy: Bounce, 8.30pm
Host Jason Dunstall<\/a> and the team are back for their weekly comedic look back at the week that was, focusing on the lighter side of what has become a largely intense industry that often takes itself too seriously.<\/p>\n

Fox Footy: First Crack, 9.30pm
This remains one of Fox\u2019s most underrated shows, combining sharp analysis and strong opinion, sometimes just hours after the afternoon and evening games have finished, typically from David King and Leigh Montagna.<\/p>\n

\"Ruby<\/p>\n

Ruby Schleicher (left) interviews Ash Riddell.Credit: AFL Photos via Getty Images<\/p>\n

MONDAY<\/p>\n

Fox Footy: AFL Tonight, 6pm<\/p>\n

Host Drew Jones and AFLW star Ruby Schleicher provide a comprehensive wrap of the day\u2019s news and events.<\/p>\n

Fox Footy: AFL360, 6.30pm
Garry Lyon, the former Melbourne great and long-time media performer<\/a>, last year stepped into the co-hosting role alongside Gerard Whateley. There is a certain rhythm to this long-running and award-winning show, and it had an edgier feel last year, having lost a step to its newsier competition.<\/p>\n

Loading<\/p>\n

7Mate, Seven, 7Plus: The Agenda Setters, 7pm
This was the stand-out analysis\/news show of 2025, making a huge splash in its maiden year. Craig Hutchison hosted the Monday night version (the media mogul\u2019s company, Rainmaker, produced the show<\/a>) with Cornes and St Kilda great Nick Riewoldt the opinion makers, and veteran football journalist Caroline Wilson providing the punchy news. Wilson will continue her weekly column for The Age<\/a> and her spot on the Real Footy podcast. Cornes hosted the Tuesday version, which featured premiership players Luke Hodge and Dale Thomas, and Wilson again providing the news edge. Don\u2019t be surprised if Tom Morris, the former Nine chief footy reporter now with Seven, joins the show.<\/p>\n

Fox Footy: On the Couch, 7.30pm
Jack Riewoldt, the three-time Richmond premiership great, eased into the host seat as host last season. Hosting is not easy, particularly when you have a packed, Alpha-male panel featuring Jonathan Brown, Nathan Buckley and Jordan Lewis. This show has been a favourite of those who prefer greater detail and analysis of players, teams and tactics – and it continues to deliver, ensuring the legacy of yesteryear stalwarts Gerard Healy, Mike Sheahan and the late Robert Walls<\/a> is not lost.<\/p>\n

9Now, Nine: Footy Classified, 7.30pm
The Age journalist Sam McClure<\/a> hosts one of the most respected AFL shows in the business, one that underwent considerable change last season. Produced by McGuire\u2019s JAM TV, Classified has long been the go-to show for news and strong analysis. That\u2019s still the case with McClure beavering about, and McGuire bringing his intel on a Tuesday. Hird, Sloane and Bartel will continue to have a major impact. Nine owns this masthead.<\/p>\n

TUESDAY<\/p>\n

Fox Footy: AFL Tonight, 6pm<\/p>\n

Fox Footy: AFL360, 6.30pm<\/p>\n

Seven, 7Plus: The Agenda Setters 7pm<\/p>\n

Nine, 9Now: Footy Classified, 7.30pm<\/p>\n

WEDNESDAY<\/p>\n

Fox Footy: AFL Tonight, 6pm<\/p>\n

Fox Footy: AFL360, 6.30pm<\/p>\n

7Plus: Unfiltered with Hamish McLachlan, 7.30pm
Produced by Hutchison\u2019s Rainmaker company, McLachlan typically delivers insightful and touching one-on-one, long-form interviews, sometimes with a splash of news – such as his chat with Jobe Watson<\/a> last season.<\/p>\n

\"Darcy<\/p>\n

Darcy Moore will be a regular presence on Agenda Setters.Credit: Getty Images<\/p>\n

Seven, 7Plus: Agenda Setters, 7.30pm<\/p>\n

For the new Wednesday night edition, Craig Hutchison will start the year as host, presumably before Tom Morris is contractually cleared to take over, alongside Nick Riewoldt and Mitch Cleary. Collingwood captain Darcy Moore<\/a> will be a regular panellist.<\/p>\n

Loading<\/p>\n

Seven, 7Plus: The Front Bar, 8.30pm
This can be the highlight of the week, for there is a nostalgic, more light-hearted look at the game and the characters of yesteryear invited to chat behind the bar (more Stephen Kernahan, we say!) The unfiltered stories of past greats, when the game was more a game than the multi-billion dollar industry it now is, are what have made the tapestry of this sport. Comedians Sam Pang and Mick Molloy are brilliant, while host Andy Maher keeps everything in check – just.<\/p>\n

THURSDAY<\/p>\n

Fox Footy: AFL Tonight, 6pm<\/p>\n

Fox Footy, Kayo: Live game coverage from 6.30pm
Panel includes Sarah Jones, King, Dunstall and Montagna. Mark Howard, Matt Hill, Jack Riewoldt and others will make up the commentary team.<\/p>\n

Seven: Live game coverage, 7pm<\/p>\n

Hosts: Rebecca Maddern, Hamish McLachlan
Callers: Brian Taylor, Hamish McLachlan
Experts: Kane Cornes, Nick Riewoldt, Luke Hodge
News: Mitch Cleary<\/p>\n

Seven: Extra time, post-game
Seven will use their hosts and special comments stars to analyse the night\u2019s game, and report from the dressing room and press conferences. Chief football reporter Mitch Cleary and understudy Xander McGuire are the men on the ground.<\/p>\n

FRIDAY<\/p>\n

Fox Footy: AFL Tonight, 6pm<\/p>\n

Fox Footy: Live game coverage from 6.30pm
Panel includes Lyon, Brown, Buckley and Lewis. On commentary will be Anthony Hudson, Whateley, Dunstall, Lyon and others.<\/p>\n

Seven: Live game coverage, 7pm<\/p>\n

Hosts: Abbey Holmes, James Brayshaw
Callers: James Brayshaw, Alister Nicholson
Experts: Matthew Richardson, Dale Thomas, Scott Pendlebury and others
News: Xander McGuire<\/p>\n

Seven: Extra time, post game<\/p>\n

More news and analysis from that night\u2019s game, and what we can expect over the weekend.<\/p>\n

Loading<\/p>\n

SATURDAY<\/p>\n

All Saturday games through the home-and-away season will be broadcast exclusively on Fox Footy in Victoria, Tasmania and Northern Territory, except when Anzac Day games (as is the case this year) and Dreamtime at the \u2019G (switched to a Friday night) are held. These are also shown on Seven and 7plus.<\/p>\n

From Opening Round until round eight, Fox has exclusive rights to Super Saturday nationally, meaning only Foxtel or Kayo carry live games on a Saturday. In this period, Saturday games involving non-Victorian teams are also broadcast into their home markets on Seven and 7plus, but on delay.<\/p>\n

From round nine, all games involving SA and WA teams will be broadcast live and free into their home markets on Seven and 7plus. All games in NSW and Queensland will be broadcast on Seven and 7plus into their home markets from round 11.<\/p>\n

All finals through weeks one to three will be shown on Seven and 7plus, and Foxtel and Kayo, but the grand final is exclusive to Seven and 7plus.<\/p>\n

Saturday Countdown on Fox Footy: Noon-1.20pm<\/p>\n

Game one, 1.20pm<\/p>\n

Twilight Countdown, 4pm<\/p>\n

Game two, 4.15pm<\/p>\n

Saturday Night Countdown, 6.50pm<\/p>\n

Games three and four, 7.35pm<\/p>\n

Saturday Debrief, 10pm<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"\u201cOur highest rating regular-season game last year was Gold Coast [versus] Collingwood. To say that Gold Coast, on…\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":485894,"comment_status":"","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[560],"tags":[638,64,63,55,639,85],"class_list":["post-485893","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","category-afl","tag-afl","tag-au","tag-australia","tag-australian-football-league","tag-australianfootballleague","tag-sports"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/485893","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=485893"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/485893\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/485894"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=485893"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=485893"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=485893"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}