Time On: Nathan Brown makes his move to replace Tony Jones as Sunday Footy Show host

Nathan Brown has put in a faultless display as Sunday Footy Show host, dialling up the pressure on Tony Jones in his absence.

Time On is your Monday wrap-up of all the footy gossip from the weekend.

Nathan Brown is dialling up the heat on Sunday Footy Show host Tony Jones.

Filling in for TJ while he’s reporting and presenting from Wimbledon, Brown hasn’t put a foot wrong since taking over the hot seat two weeks ago.

He will hand back the reins when TJ returns but he’s making no secret of his desire to host his own show. He’s even started a legitimate petition to “Keep TJ at Wimbledon” which so far has gathered over 600 signatures on change.org.

“If something came up that was the right fit yeah, I’d love to have a look at it,’’ Brown said.

“It’s going well, I enjoy it, the boys have been really good. There has been no feedback so I take that as the job is being done OK.

“I’ll hand the reins over to TJ when he’s back. I understand that TJ is the glue that brings our Sunday Footy Show banter together and it’ll be great to have him back.

“He’s a big boy. TJ dishes it out more than he cops it back.”

While the cat’s away …

The mice will play.

Brown has received much support from his Sunday Footy Show panellists who admit he’s done a great job.

He’s had a week of ups and downs — on Sunday he was missing from the Sunday Rub on Triple M after a faint positive Covid test before he tried to enter the studio.

He has had two subsequent negative tests and also tested negative on Friday.

Brown also competes on Australian Ninja Warrior against boxer Harry Garside on Monday night. He developed a new-found respect for athletes who tackle these tough courses.

But he admitted not even seeing co-host, US tennis great Jim Courier.

His Triple M colleagues on the Friday Huddle suggested there was tension between the pair after Brown was gunning for the co-hosting role, but Brown wasn’t buying into it, saying: “I didn’t speak to Jim personally. It rained the whole night and don’t think we ended up getting on the course until 3.45am when there was a break in the rain for about 20 minutes and we got the job done.

“I reckon the only reason I did it in the end was because my kids were so excited. They think it’s cooler than anything I’ve done before.”

A talented family

Luke Darcy was missing from commentary at the weekend after heading to the UK to support his daughter Sienna.

She competed in the biggest rowing regatta in the world, making it through to the final of the Prince Philip Challenge trophy and triumphing on Sunday over the American crew at Henley.

“They could be schoolgirl champions,’’ Seven host Hamish McLachlan said.

“There are tens of thousands of people lining the river.”

There was huge excitement after the result, which opens the door to Olympics and scholarships.

The Darcys are a talented family with their son and brother Sam following in the footsteps of Luke and joining the Bulldogs.

Set to be missing from commentary this weekend is Nathan Buckley who is taking on the Kokada Track with his two sons. The former Collingwood coach said on Fox Footy’s Best on Ground that he leaves for Papua New Guinea on Tuesday.

Luke Darcy, wife Bec and their daughter Sienna in London.

Sir Ian Botham and Eddie McGuire talking shop in the box.

Beefy’s a Pie

Eddie McGuire has shed light on the interesting mix of names in his box at the Collingwood v GWS match last weekend at the MCG.

The former Pies president was flanked by cricket legend Ian Botham in a Collingwood scarf with Nanette Malthouse seen sitting behind them.

McGuire said Mick and Nanette Malthouse were his guests, along with Aussie cricket great Kim Hughes.

He said Beefy has been a genuine supporter since the 1970s, texts him during games and was a mate of former Pie Billy Picken.

“A great, fun day at the footy had by all,’’ McGuire said.

“Mick was in great form and read the play beautifully. Great sporting minds. Lots of fun picking the trends of the game.”

Duck takes a spill

Wayne Carey was sporting a bruise on his head after taking a tumble during the week.

“I just had a spill,” he said.

“Just in case I’m going to say something silly I can blame it on the concussion. I had a trip and fell over and hit my head. Nothing untoward.”

The incident brought much joy to his Triple M colleagues.