Scott Pendlebury is within touching distance of the coveted V/AFL games record, but that hasn't prohibited the beloved Pie from making inroads in a potential media career.
The Gippsland native is reprising his role providing as an expert commentator with Channel Seven for select rounds in the 2026 season. 'Pendles' has previously hinted at a desire to join the coaching fraternity once his playing days conclude, but appears to be keeping his options open.
The network confirmed the veteran's return as part of a press release outlining their suite of shows and talent for the season ahead, on Tuesday morning.
Pendlebury is also participating in reality TV show, Rivals, which will pit Aussie rules, rugby league and rugby union athletes against one another in a series of science-backed performance challenges.
The network's flagship panel program, The Agenda Setters, is expanding to three nights this season, providing a platform for the likes of Cornes to express his far-reaching opinions. The archetypal modern footballer, and captain of the league's most high-profile club, Darcy Moore, will be a regular fixture on the new Wednesday night edition of the program.
Channel 7 has also procured the services of 1999 Brownlow Medallist, and established media performer Shane Crawford, whose "infectious love for the game" will feature sporadically this season.
Brian Taylor, James Brayshaw, Hamish McLachlan and Alister Nicholson will again undertake the bulk of the network's calling responsibilities, but in a breath of fresh air, star on the rise Jack Heverin also joins the stable, with a particular focus on Sunday afternoon fixtures.
Seven's assortment of expert commentators is again headlined by the vocal Kane Cornes, who is joined by familiar faces Luke Hodge, Abbey Holmes, Nick Riewoldt, Matthew Richardson, Daisy Pearce, Dale Thomas and Joel Selwood.
Kate McCarthy, Erin Phillips, Chad Wingard, Cameron Ling, Jobe Watson, Campbell Brown and Jude Bolton will also feature regularly across the season, the network revealed.
The network also hinted at a raft of documentary-style programs to air at different stages throughout the year, headlined by a series about the life and times of iconic caller, Dennis Cometti.
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