Legendary sports commentator Bruce McAvaney has leukaemia

Bruce McAvaney, a legend of Australian sports broadcasting, has said he is fighting leukaemia but still ''living a complete life’’.

The 63-year-old who has been a leading voice in the AFL, horse racing and Olympic Games for many years told The Herald Sun that he was feeling well despite the diagnosis.

McAvaney said the Chronic Lymphocytic Leukaemia he has could become worse.

''It could jump out of the ground at any moment. I don’t expect it will. But I’m living a complete life with no restrictions,’’ he said.

Despite his disease, McAvaney is looking forward to calling the 217 AFL season.

"I can't give up the football as it is 26 weeks of heaven," he said.

In a positive sign, McAvaney also wants to be working at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics.