WA football fans hoping to not see Eddie McGuire’s face on their television tomorrow night have had their prayers answered by Channel 7.

Seven will broadcast its own localised pregame, postgame and half-time shows during the western derby, and McGuire will be heard only during the play.

The decision comes after The West Australian reported on Wednesday the Collingwood Football Club president would be part of Fox Footy’s western derby commentary team for the first time, despite WA football fans voting him the most annoying commentator in last year’s Seven West Media poll of more than 10,000 people.

McGuire responded by suggesting on radio that he should be in WA as part of the lead-up to the big game and the State Government was not maximising Optus Stadium’s potential as an interstate tourist attraction.

“One of the things I have been working closely with the West Coast Eagles and speaking to Fremantle and particularly the WA Government, is bringing people from Victoria every week to that magnificent new stadium,” he said.

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“I think it is a good opportunity for West Australia to open their minds to what can be, and the amount of money that can come into West Australia, particularly through football.”

Premier Mark McGowan told McGuire he did not need his advice and he should learn a thing or two from WA commentators Dennis Cometti and Basil Zempilas.

“I am a big fan of Dennis Cometti and Basil — both great commentators,” Mr McGowan said. “They do a great job, are both nice guys.”

Tourism Minister Paul Papalia said a GoFundMe page to get McGuire out of Victoria would fund the proposed trip west and even help wipe out WA’s debt.

“I am sure that the rest of the Victorian football public will fund getting rid of Eddie,” he said.

Mr Papalia said WA was the place to be for Australian sport this winter, when Optus Stadium hosts an NRL State of Origin match, English soccer powerhouse Manchester United and a Bledisloe Cup rugby clash between the Wallabies and All Blacks.

Channel 7 will also broadcast the first WAFL “derby” between the West Coast Eagles and Fremantle-aligned Peel Thunder, which will be a curtain-raiser to the AFL clash at Optus Stadium.