Sports broadcaster and Channel 7 AFL commentator Bruce McAvaney has today announced his retirement, effective immediately, citing the “loss of someone speshhalll”.

“It happened so quickly. One day he was dancing out on the MCG, doing things only Cyril can do, and now he’s gone… I can’t go on” an emotional McAvaney told 800.85 Sport FM’s Bazza and Mungo.

The comments came moments after news broke that Hawthorn superstar, Cyril Rioli, would call time on his 11 year AFL career to move home to Darwin, after four premierships, three All Australian’s and a Norm Smith Medal.

McAvaney is hanging up the microphone after a stellar 45 years, 30 Grand Finals, 2,456 Speshhalll’s, and 1,023 homo-erotic remarks.

When asked if the prospect of calling Rioli’s relatives, Daniel (Richmond) and Willie (West Coast), for many seasons to come made him ponder his decision, the 65 year old doyen said “Cyril was my first love”.

“Right now, I can't think about them. Even my favourite foods don’t taste good anymore… this corn beef used to be so dee-licious.”

Bruce will continue on in his role as racing broadcaster for 7 throughout the Spring Carnival and will re-assess things after that.

“If Winx gets retired, I’ll need a padded cell”.

Thanks for everything Bruce.