The commentary icon Bruce McAvaney OAM is among announced recipients of a Commonwealth Games Australia Order of Merit in Sydney this evening, as bowler Jack McShane was recognised as the 2025 Emerging Athlete of the Year.
Joined on the honouree list by Katrina Powell OAM and Warwick Forbes OAM, McAvaney will lead the Seven Network coverage of Glasgow 2026 from Scotstoun Stadium as athletics action enthrals audiences in Australia and around the world.
He is arguably the ‘voice of the Games’ having been at the heart of coverage across the Olympic and Commonwealth Games for decades, including the iconic gold medal of Catherine Freeman AC at Sydney 2000 and the inspired victory of Olli Hoare in the men’s 1500m four years ago at Birmingham 2022.
Powell was recognised for her distinguished contribution to hockey, winning gold at Kuala Lumpur 1998 and bronze at Manchester 2002 as an athlete, before later leading the Hockeyroos to silver as Head Coach at Birmingham 2022.
I’m absolutely floored and honoured to be honoured tonight,” Powell said.
“I’m really proud of the people that I’ve coached and the athletes they’ve become and I’m proud of my own athletics journey where I’ve set goals and worked hard to achieve them.
“Hockey mirrors the Commonwealth Games; it’s about family, friendships and teamwork and my journey in coaching was just as varied as my athletic career; I’m super proud and very honoured.
“These (the Commonwealth Games) are absolutely the friendly Games and the friendships I’ve made across the Commonwealth are outstanding.”
Forbes was honoured for his contribution to gymnastics as both an athlete and coach. He competed at the Edmonton 1978 Games, winning bronze in the men’s team competition, before going on to serve as Gymnastics Head Coach at the Edinburgh 1986, Auckland 1990, Victoria 1994 and Kuala Lumpur 1998 Games.
The Order of Merit complements Life Membership and recognises the outstanding contribution of individuals to the Commonwealth Sport Movement in Australia and across the world.
For McShane, his naming as the 2025 Emerging Athlete of the Year followed a breakthrough season that saw him become the youngest men’s singles world champion at the World Bowls Indoor Championships in Scotland.
“I’ve got to be completely honest, I did not expect this at all,” McShane said.
“Thank you so much to all my supporters; my parents, my rocks, my partner and wider group of friends and my family who support me.
“To Bowls Australia, who are doing great things and pushing the sport forward, thank you for all you do and thank you to everyone, it’s great to be celebrating sport in general.”
McShane was recognised alongside fellow finalists for the trophy Richelle Hill (triathlon) and Declan Budd (swimming), both of whom made their mark on the world stage in 2025 to underscore the depth of Australia’s next generation of sporting talent.
Note: McAvaney and Forbes were unable to attend the presentation in Sydney. McAvaney will be awarded his Order of Merit at the 2026 Commonwealth Games, while Forbes will be acknowledged at an appropriate gymnastics occasion in the months ahead.
