Gold Coast Suns rising star Zeke Uwland ignited laughter on the AFL Footy Show set, leading veteran host Tony Jones to abruptly walk off during a live broadcast. The 18-year-old talent, appearing as a guest after his team’s unbeaten season start, poked fun at Jones’ past on-air mishaps.
The On-Set Confrontation
Uwland first teased Jones for failing to properly bounce an AFL football at the segment’s start. When asked if he had seen Jones’ 2018 handball blunder, Uwland quipped, ‘Oh, I don’t know, I’ve just seen [the incident with] Bec Judd, that’s all.’
The panel erupted in laughter, but Jones reacted strongly. As he stormed away, he declared, ‘I tell you what, I don’t mind copping s**t from you lot (the panel), but when I start getting it from that (Uwland), I’m out of here.’
Recalling the 2016 Rebecca Judd Moment
Uwland’s remark referenced a 2016 incident during Nine’s Melbourne news bulletin. As Rebecca Judd prepared for maternity leave, Jones leaned in for a cheek kiss after saying, ‘Good luck, Bec!’ She pulled away, yelped, and giggled uncontrollably. Jones crossed his arms, face reddening, and muttered, ‘OK, good, this is going well.’
In March 2020, Jones explained the awkward exchange. He had planned to present flowers, but they were forgotten. In a panic, he opted for the kiss, which backfired.
Jones’ History of Controversies
The sports broadcaster, nicknamed ‘Chompers,’ has faced other high-profile clashes. At the 2025 Australian Open, Jones commented on Novak Djokovic, stating, ‘Novak’s overrated. Novak’s a has-been. Novak, kick him out… Boy, I’m glad they can’t hear me.’
Djokovic called the remarks ‘insulting and offensive,’ accusing Jones of mocking Serbian fans. Jones apologized, claiming his words were misinterpreted.
