Fremantle Dockers Champion Michael Walters Joins Channel 7's WA AFL Commentary Team for 2026 Season
Channel 7 has officially announced that Fremantle Dockers icon Michael Walters will become a key member of its dedicated West Australian AFL commentary team for the 2026 season. This exciting development builds upon the network's highly successful 2025 coverage, with Seven set to deliver comprehensive local programming in Perth for crucial games involving WA teams throughout the upcoming season.
Strengthening the Commentary Lineup with Elite Football Experience
Walters will join the state's premier football experts to provide live, ground-level commentary for matches, all available free to viewers. The coverage will be spearheaded by 7NEWS Perth sports presenter Ryan Daniels, alongside respected AFL commentator Mark Readings, with sports broadcaster Dani Shuey positioned boundary side.
In addition to Walters, Channel 7 has assembled an impressive roster of past and present football greats, including Ben Cousins, Mark LeCras, Daisy Pearce, and Shaun McManus. This team combines elite on-field experience with a genuine understanding of the West Australian football landscape, fostering a deep connection with local fans.
Tailored Coverage for West Australian Viewers
Throughout the 2026 season, viewers in Western Australia can anticipate tailored pre-game and post-game coverage across select matches. This programming will deliver expert analysis, behind-the-scenes stories, and a distinctly local perspective on the action, enhancing the viewing experience for passionate WA supporters.
Seven West Media WA CEO, Maryna Fewster, expressed enthusiasm about the announcement, stating, "After an incredibly positive response from fans in our first year, we're thrilled to bring back our dedicated WA commentary team in 2026. West Australian footy fans are extremely passionate about their teams, and they want to hear from commentators who truly understand the clubs, the players, and the history of football in this state. The addition of Sonny Walters further strengthens what is already an outstanding line-up of passionate, knowledgeable WA football voices."
Walters Brings Fresh Insight Following Retirement
Having retired from professional football at the end of the 2025 season, Walters believes he brings a strong understanding of current playing styles and structures to the commentary team. He remarked, "Having played alongside many of the current players, I know them well and have a good feel for how the game is played today. I'm really looking forward to bringing that insight to the broadcast and hopefully adding plenty of energy, excitement, and positivity for the fans watching at home."
Kickoff Details for the 2026 Season
To launch the season, Seven's Perth commentary team will travel to the Gold Coast for West Coast's Round 1 clash with the Gold Coast Suns on Sunday. The pre-game coverage for that match will commence at 2.30pm AWST, broadcast live and free on 7mate and 7plus Sport for WA audiences, with the match kicking off at 3.10pm AWST, also available live and free on Seven and 7plus Sport.
