TRIPLE M ANNOUNCES 2026 AFL GRAND FINAL CALL TEAM
18 September 2026
Some sounds define the last Saturday in September: footy conversations beginning from sunrise, the roar of the crowd as the national anthem reaches its final note, and Triple M’s iconic call taking fans through every spine-tingling moment of the AFL Grand Final.
With the 2026 AFL Grand Final just over a week away, Triple M – Australia’s number one AFL audio broadcaster* – has unveiled its expert Grand Final commentary team.
Leading Triple M’s Grand Final commentary will be Jack Heverin, marking his debut AFL Grand Final call for the network, alongside Mark ‘Howie’ Howard.
Since joining Triple M in 2021, Heverin has established himself as one of the network’s leading football voices, heard across The Thursday Rub, Deadset Legends, and AFL and cricket commentary, while Howard brings more than two decades of experience calling some of Australian sport’s biggest moments, including AFL Grand Finals and major cricket series.
Speaking on The Rush Hour with JB & Billy, Triple M commentatorJack Heverin reflected on his AFL Grand Final commentary debut: “I got the phone call to let me know I’d be commentating the Grand Final a couple of weeks ago and it genuinely did take my breath away.
“I’ve listened to this network forever, and from the moment I decided I wanted to work in this industry I’ve always said that I wanted to get to Triple M. I love this place and to get to call the Grand Final for Triple M is an unbelievable honour.”
Heverin and Howard will be joined by an expert commentary team featuring AFLW pioneer and All-Australian Kate McCarthy, four-time premiership player and 2022 Norm Smith Medallist Isaac Smith, and two-time All-Australian Nathan Brown, with Ash Chua and Michael Roberts providing stats and boundary coverage respectively.
With Sydney and Fremantle, and Brisbane and Hawthorn, set to battle this weekend for a place in the Grand Final, Triple M will build towards the big day with wall-to-wall footy coverage across the network.
Before the first bounce, Triple M will bring the excitement of Grand Final week to Richmond’s iconic Corner Hotel when Triple M Fest returns on Thursday, 24 September – or ‘Grand Final Eve Eve’ – for its second year.
The event begins from 6am with a live broadcast of Mick in the Morning with Roo, Titus & Rosie and a performance from The Superjesus, before The Rush Hour with JB & Billy takes over from 4pm alongside You Am I.
Legendary rock band Bush will headline the night, taking the stage following the conclusion of the ‘Grand Final Eve Eve’ broadcast.
Triple M’s Grand Final week will also feature its biggest footy shows, bringing fans the build-up, analysis and atmosphere throughout the week, including:
- Special Grand Final Thursday Rub – from 6pm: Dale Thomas and Jack Heverin,
- Saturday Rub – live from the MCG from 12pm: James Brayshaw, Billy Brownless, Damian Barrett and Bernie Vince,
- Sunday Rub – from 12pm: Leigh Montagna, Mitch Cleary, Dale Thomas and Steve Johnson.
Ewan Giles, SCA Head of Sports Content – Audio, said: “I can’t remember Triple M having a bigger build up than what we’ve got planned for next week. There’s nothing quite like the energy of AFL Grand Final week, and we’ll be there with wall-to-wall coverage across Triple M. There’s a reason Triple M is the call that footy fans want to hear.”
Triple M’s coverage of the 2026 AFL Grand Final will be available live across the Triple M Network and LiSTNR.
Triple M Fest – Thursday, 24 September – Order of events
- 6am: Mick in the Morning with The Superjesus
- 9am: ‘Dangerous Dave’ Williams
- 11am: Dead Set Legends with Kate McCarthy, Xander McGuire and Isaac Smith
- 12pm: Triple M’s Grand Final Rub with Daisy Thomas and Jack Heverin
- 2pm: ‘Matty O’ Gorman
- 4pm: The Rush Hour with JB & Billy with You Am I
- Post 7:30pm: Triple M Fest with Bush
Source: GfK Radio 360 Ratings. Metro Survey 4, 2026. SCA 2026 AFL Footy Call times. Sunday 1100-1730. P10+. Cume Reach.
About Triple M:
For more than 40 years, Triple M has been one of Australia’s most recognisable radio brands, providing listeners with a unique blend of Greatest Hits, Sport, and Comedy. With 49 stations nationwide – including six digital stations – Triple M is renowned for delivering music’s greatest hits, alongside iconic talent and standout shows that lead the way in sport and entertainment.
Reaching more than 4.9 million radio and on-demand listeners each week, Triple M is home to some of the country’s most respected sporting legends, beloved comedians, and music personalities, including Mick Molloy, James Brayshaw, Billy Brownless, Luisa Dal Din, and Jack Archdale – to only name a few! Triple M’s content is available live or on demand on the LiSTNR app.
