Zero Hanger’s own Daniel Harford joins VFL coverage for 2026

The ABC has unearthed a new commentary team for the 2026 VFL season, with Zero Hanger's Daniel Harford joining Jason Bennett, Matt Clinch and Gemma Bastiani.

The AFL announced its new broadcast deal for the state-league competition, with the ABC claiming rights for the first time since 2014, while Channel Seven and Kayo Sports are also hosting a variety of games on their networks.

Harford is keen to continue the legacy of covering the VFL.

"It's an exciting adventure," Harford told Zero Hanger.

"I've been part of the radio team the last couple of years in the AFL world. The VFL and the new opportunities for them as well as getting back into the VFL is great.

"I grew up watching the VFL on TV so to carry on the legacy is going to pretty cool. It's an exciting, new opportunity for me, but also for the network.

"We know how important the state-league competitions are around the country and the VFL is paramount to that.

"I used to play for the Preston Bullants, and sadly they're no longer with us, but it's great to give back to a competition that gave me plenty.

Harford played 162 games for Hawthorn and Carlton over 10 seasons, and moved into the media immediately. 

He spent time at a host of radio stations, and also covered the AFLW on Fox Footy.

Harford also coached Carlton's women's team between 2019 and 2022, indicating his football nous on multiple levels.

"I was calling and analysing the AFLW on Fox Footy last season," Harford said. "I've done it the last couple of seasons.

"I was in the AFL ABC boxes last year doing the games as well, so I've been around a long time.

"In fact, I think I'm the only person in footy to do the Triple M, SEN, 3AW and ABC quaddie in the commentary box. That's in the AFL world.

"I've been doing that for 10, 15 years since I've been retired in the footy landscape, so this is another layer doing a bit of TV stuff, which I haven't really done outside the footy stuff for AFLW."

The new broadcast deal that will see the three networks cover the VFL will provide more exposure for the league, which Harford believes is a good thing.

"It's a great opportunity for the VFL and its talent to expose themselves as a really important path of the pathway," he said.

"As well as those standalone clubs that don't have allegiances to the AFL clubs. It's a really important opportunity for them to showcase their wears on a big stage.

"So get out there and put your best foot forward and show everyone how good you are, and get people back falling in love with the VFL again."

The VFL competition structure has been confirmed for the next three seasons (2028), providing more stability and confidence for the 22 clubs, especially the eight standalone sides.