Famous Australian sports figure looks unrecognizable when an old photo from his childhood emerges… but can you guess who this national treasure is?
- The career of the legendary broadcaster spans almost 50 years
- He was considered by many to be the voice of AFL in Australia
- The mystery man will be the main commentator for the Women’s World Cup
Aussie sports fans are baffled by a photo of a legendary broadcaster depicted as a child posing in his shoes.
The Seven Network sportscaster, now 70, has been the soundtrack to the must-see sport Down Under for the better part of 40 years – retiring from football in 2021.
The photo, of course, is Bruce McAvaney, who for decades was considered by many to be the voice of the AFL.
“Happy 70th birthday to Ferryden Park’s favorite son, Bruce McAvaney!” read the social media post from sports fan Peter McConnell.
Just eight years old in the picture, McAvaney grew up in Woodville South Australia and played football for the Woodville Football club as a junior.
A photo of an eight-year-old Bruce McAvaney has stunned fans on social media
McAvaney was the soundtrack to must-see sports for most of 40 years
His media career spanned nearly 50 years and it was a difficult decision to withdraw from his busy schedule.
“I felt like I had reached a point in my career where I needed to reduce my workload,” McAvaney told Seven in 2021.
“I’m going to miss it dearly, I imagine when Richmond and Carlton run out on the first round and the ball bounces, I’m climbing up a wall somewhere.
“I’ll have to move on and just be a fan like everyone else.”
McAvaney pushed for the decision to step back after a coronavirus-interrupted AFL season was not health-related, after battling chronic lymphocytic leukemia in 2017.
The decision was the result of recent conversations with his wife Anne and network boss Lewis Martin.
“I was very confident that I could keep calling strong, but I just felt it was the right time for me,” McAvaney told the Herald Sun.
‘Something had to be done. I realized I wanted to keep working. I didn’t want to retire, that’s far from my thoughts. But I just didn’t think I was capable of continuing to do as much as I did.’
McAvaney stopped calling AFL games in 2001 – but still does other commentary for Seven
He will head the Channel 7 FIFA Women’s World Cup commentary team later this year
McAvaney hasn’t completely disappeared from television screens and still selects commentary for Seven.
Fans will be excited to learn that he will be head of the Channel 7 FIFA Women’s World Cup commentary team later this year.
He is excited about checking off the last item on the bucket list of his illustrious and storied career.
“We have a team that is legitimately a contender, an opportunity,” he said News Corp.
“We have a player who is arguably the most important athlete in this country right now, in Sam Kerr, on the precipice of something she’s never been before, a World Cup at home with her team.
“I feel like we’re on the verge of something extraordinary and I think the whole country will be swept up.
“The first night is going to be so nervous for all of us because Ireland will play defensively. That first goal, if we get it, will be a relief.’
The World Cup starts on July 20 with Australia against Ireland.