With AFL broadcasters now granted the ability to field their own team for games of the season in 2025, fans can prepare for a wealth of new talent and opportunities for pundits in all corners of the media landscape.
The AFL media coverage is expansive and ranges from commentary to breaking news and expert analysis.
Below we've listed six of the AFL media's most exciting up-and-comers who may already be established commentators, players or media personalities, and are now beginning to make their mark in the world of AFL football.
McGuire's rise to success has been rapid and largely marred by claims of nepotism. But while his father's weight in the industry can lend him a hand, the general consensus among audiences is that he is very good at what he does.
McGuire started his career with three years of broadcasting at Channel Nine before heading to Channel Seven for the 2025 AFL season. As well as being part of Seven's game day coverage, he will also be a co-host on the AFL website's "The Round So Far."
Whatever criticisms people might have with the McGuire family, at 22 years old it looks like Xander will be here to stay.
Heverin started his career commentating local footy games on the Mornington Peninsula and has slowly worked his way up to becoming one of not only the AFL's, but sports' most promising voices.
He cut his way through the industry covering an array of sports like cricket, lawn bowls, netball, basketball and tennis but has found himself on this list due to his recent work covering the AFL on SEN and Triple M.
Heverin hosted "The Sporting Capital" and was a prominent commentator on AFL Nation before heading over to Triple M.
Heralded by fans for his call of the final siren during Brisbane's win in the 2024 AFL Grand Final, Middlemas has been in the industry since 2011.
Now a lead commentator on ABC radio, his voice is becoming more and more recognisable, but more importantly loved by listeners.
Middlemas will also be calling select games for Fox in addition to his role at the ABC.
Racing fans will be familiar with the eloquence of Hill's commentary, but for those AFL audiences who may not be aware of his cult status, they are slowly becoming acquainted.
A recognisable voice in the horse racing world, Hill is only now forging a path commentating the footy. He made cameo appearances for Channel Seven in 2022 calling a small number of games before being poached by Fox Footy in 2023.
He now finds himself alongside Mark Howard on a Thursday night calling marquee matches for the network.
McCarthy is an ex-AFLW player, playing 42 games across three teams but has since begun pursuing her career in the media.
She joined Channel Seven's lineup in 2024 as part of the post-game show Armchair Experts and will be a part of Triple M's expert commentary team for the upcoming 2025 AFL season.
McCarthy is set to feature in shows Sunday Footy Feast and The Wash Up for Channel Seven this year also.
Sloane played 255 games for the Adelaide Crows, including captaining the club for six years. As of 2025, he has decided to make a career in the media, joining Channel Nine's panel of experts on Footy Classified for the 2025 AFL season as well as the Sunday Footy Show.
As well as his role with Channel Nine, Sloane will also be a part of 3AW's radio broadcasts as an expert commentator.
With his long career at AFL level, Sloane is in a position to forge a career in the media like many ex-players before him.
