Footy fans have had their imaginations run wild after leading Channel Seven commentator Brian Taylor teased an ’emotional’ and ‘incredible’ announcement to be made straight after the AFL grand final.
The former Collingwood star’s intriguing announcement appeared on social media platform X the day before the big match between the Sydney Swans and Brisbane Lions.
“Something’s going to happen at the end of the grand final… it’s going to be quite emotional and an incredible surprise for everyone in the football world,” he told South Australian radio stars Rowey and Timmy G.
The fact that it was supposed to be a very important announcement after the biggest game of the year, plus the vague nature of the post, has led many football fans to draw some bold conclusions.
Some predict that Taylor could be calling time on his long career as a commentator, which has made him a polarizing figure.
“It would be the most BT move ever to try and make it all about him immediately after a team wins the premiership,” someone posted on Reddit.
“Watch him announce his retirement, followed by the announcement that there’s still time for a comeback,” another added sarcastically.
Veteran Channel Seven commentator Brian ‘BT’ Taylor (pictured) said there would be an ’emotional’ and ‘incredible’ announcement after the AFL grand final
The Sydney Swans and Brisbane Lions (pictured earlier this year) will compete in the first decider since 2006 not to feature a Victorian squad
Taylor is known for his ‘Roaming Brian’ segment after AFL matches, leading many football fans to believe he is about to retire
Others joked that BT may be using modern technology to extend his commentary career.
“BT has given away its vote to AI so we won’t miss him in his retirement. All games AFL, VFL all the way down are called by BristleAI,” one person joked.
“BT has signed up for another 30 years as the sole commentator for all of football,” another added.
“Roaming Brian is Channel 7’s new flagship show. He gets an hour to roam live every night from 7pm,” another posted as footy fans flocked to the popular footy commentator.
Others suggested it could be the retirement of Sydney Swans coach John Longmire, who has held the clipboard since 2011.
“Longmire retiring might make sense considering what happened with Dean Cox and West Coast,” one follower wrote.
Other AFL supporters believe veteran Sydney Swans coach John Longmire, pictured with star player Isaac Heeney, could put his career on hold
Sydney Swans supporters will be hoping the fourth time is the charm after losing all three previous grand finals under Longmire
There were also plenty of conspiracy theories, some serious, some not so bad.
“The winning team will be announced to qualify for the Asian Champions League,” one fan joked.
‘No longer welcome in the country?’ asked another.
“The person who hired Tina Arena is going to be fired?” another wondered.
Some think the big announcement will be Bruce McAvaney’s triumphant return to the commentary team at the age of 71.
“That will definitely be the return of Bruce McAvaney commentating on AFL footy in 2025,” one fan wrote.
“Based on his cameo last week, that has to be the ’emotional and incredible surprise.’
On a more serious note, some AFL supporters believe the announcement could relate to Neale Daniher, who was diagnosed with ALS in 2013.
Footy commentator legend Bruce McAvaney made a brief comeback during the AFL finals, leading some fans to believe he could return for more regular spots in 2025
Brisbane Lions fans will be hoping they don’t have a repeat of last year when they lost to Collingwood in the decider
Scottish researchers recently made a breakthrough in the fight against deadly motor neurone disease and some fans believe Daniher may want to partake in some form of treatment to save his life.
“Probably Neale Daniher related,” one fan wrote.
‘Maybe he’ll be invited by [four-time AFL premiership coach] David Parkin helps present the Jock McHale Medal – Parkin has a close relationship with the Danihers and is a long-time Melbourne fan.’
‘I scrolled through a lot of posts that made me laugh before I came to this. I think you’re on to a winner,” another supporter agreed.
“If Brisbane wins I could see Neale presenting the Jock McHale Medal to Fages,” another added.
Neale Daniher, pictured with Bec Daniher, fights MND and could be part of Saturday’s post-match ceremonies
Whatever the announcement, it will have to be huge to replace the first AFL grand final since 2006 not to feature Victorian teams.
The Sydney Swans, this year’s most dominant team and minor premiers, will take on the surging Brisbane Lions from 2.30pm.
Swans coach John Longmire will aim to improve his finals record after losing the last three grand finals with Sydney in charge.
Meanwhile, Brisbane’s Chris Fagan is set to make history as the first non-playing coach to secure a VFL/AFL premiership – and avenge the pain of losing last year’s decider to Collingwood.