Top Australian sports caller Bruce McAvaney has revealed he has cancer.
The 64-year-old was diagnosed with leukaemia two years ago after an abnormal blood test.
The illness was one of the reasons he did not call the Australian Open tennis this year for the first time since 1990.
But McAvaney was quoted by News Corp Australia on Friday as saying he continues to lead a complete life.
“It is quite strange to say I have leukaemia because I feel well,” he said.
“Look, it could be very serious – it could jump out of the ground at any moment. I don’t expect it will.”
The report said McAvaney has Chronic Lymphocytic Leukaemia, or CLL.
According to the Cancer Council website, CLL develops slowly and some people with the disease do not need any treatment.
But McAvaney said last year’s busy schedule – AFL, the Rio Olympics and the spring racing carnival – had been the straw that broke the camel’s back.
Despite having a break from Australian Open – and McAvaney might not return – he is looking forward to calling another AFL season.
“I can’t give up the football as it is 26 weeks of heaven,” he said.
McAvaney also plans to be calling at the Gold Coast Commonwealth Games, the Pyeongchang Winter Olympics and the 2020 Tokyo Olympics.
On behalf of everyone at The Roar, get well soon Bruce!
Penster
Roar Guru
#notdelicious Kick it to the kerb Bruce.
dave
Guest
If it gets out of hand we will get cyril rioli to visit him and all will be well. Bad taste joke but I seriously hope he continues for a long time and wish him all the best.
peter chrisp
Guest
Hope he get's back to be fighting fit we wish him 100% recovery
IAN NICHOLAS
Guest
Good luck Bruce. You are revered by your colleagues.... Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Melvin Pukely
Guest
All the best Bruce.
FrozenNorth
Guest
Best caller in the world, unparalleled.
Paul
Guest
Agree with you Marty, I hope he can continue his call on the AFL for many more years, his statistics & knowledge of the game are mind boggling.
Marty Gleason
Roar Guru
Bruce is like Richie Benaud and the cricket, after he retires the whole thing will descend into blokey chaos.