Universally respected commentator Abbey Holmes will return to Seven’s AFL coverage on the Friday night of Round 20, just seven weeks after the football world fell in love with her beautiful baby, Braxton John Brooksby.

The proud new mum will take delicate steps back into the role with Seven, working just two days a week while managing her maternal duties.

She will re-appear on Seven’s AFL coverage on July 25, when Essendon and the Western Bulldogs clash at Marvel Stadium.

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It’s an amazing effort considering Holmes only gave birth on June 6.

The pregnancy did not go according to plan, either, with Holmes requiring a C-section procedure.

The 34-year-old will feature across Friday night and Sunday afternoons in a streamlined role from her previous duties.

She will travel over the next few weeks for footy, and will also head to the Logies with Seven (but will miss that Sunday’s AFL coverage).

“I feel incredibly lucky to step back into a job I love, while also soaking up the joy of being a mum,” Holmes said.

“It’s the perfect balance, and I’m so grateful for the support from both my family and my work family to get me back doing what I love.

“Coming back to work fills me with so much excitement.

“I’ve missed the team, the buzz, and being part of the action. I’m ready to hit the ground running next Friday night at Marvel Stadium and can’t wait for little Brax to see his mumma in action.

“It’s been such a special time at home with Braxton and Keegan and I feel so lucky to be able to go back to a job that I love and come home to our family.”

Holmes is of course married to former AFL footballer Keegan Brooksby.

The couple announced they were expecting at the start of this year but the news came as a bit of a shock with Holmes discovering she was pregnant just a few weeks after returning to Australia following an incredible performance in New York Marathon.

“I’ve been watching so much footy and now I’m rapt to be back in the thick of it,” Holmes said about her pending return to commentary.

“I’m so thankful to the amazing team at Seven who made it easy for me to take the time I needed, and who’ve welcomed me back with open arms.

“It’s the best feeling to know I can have both – a career I love and precious time with my family.

“Being a mum has changed me in the most incredible ways, but one thing that hasn’t changed is my passion for my career and the game. I couldn’t be more ready to be back.”