‘Good luck isn’t it?’: Footy great Brad Johnson dive-bombed by a seagull

Brad Johnson needs a drycleaner in a hurry after the AFL great became the target of a pesky seagull in Collingwood’s clash with Port.

Brad Johnson got a little more than he bargained for and needed a drycleaner stat during Collingwood’s clash with Port Adelaide at the MCG on Saturday night.

Johnson, the Western Bulldogs great, was on the boundary line throughout the game alongside Eddie Betts in their sideline reporting roles for Fox Footy.

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In a moment that wasn’t shown live on the broadcast, Johnson and Betts were having a chat with the camera rolling when one of the notorious MCG seagulls made its move.

The birds have been a longstanding issue in footy and cricket matches at the famous ground, usually for gathering in flocks on the surface as the action unfolds.

But this time the issue came from the air as one of the birds pulled off a stealth attack on the six-time All Australian, dropping an aerial bombardment directly on his tailored navy blue jacket.

Watch the unfortunate moment in the video player above

Brad Johnson after getting dive bombed by a seagull. Photo: Fox Sports

While it wasn’t shown live, the Fox Footy team made sure to show a replay prior to the third quarter getting underway.

And the commentary team was having a great time at the expense of the Western Bulldogs’ Team of the Century member.

“Always an issue at the MCG, the seagulls,” Mark Howard began.

“If you missed some of the halftime break, the smiling assassin Brad Johnson was doing his thing, he was looking like a male model and having a chat with Eddie.

“Just keep an eye on the lapel. Johnno, you didn’t miss a beat great man.”

The footy great took it all in good spirits. Photo: Fox Sports

It's unclear which was the offending seagull. Photo: Fox Sports

To his credit, Johnson was cracking up and left wondering why there weren’t seagull deterrents in place, as have been tried at the ground in the past.

“Oh, it looks fake doesn’t it,” the 48-year-old said while watching a replay.

“What a shot. Where’s the fake eagles up on top of the roof here? Where have they gone?”

As the camera showed a flock of seagulls on top of the MCG roof, Anthony Hudson asked slyly: “Who do you think is the guilty party?”

Johnson fired back: “Seriously. I’m glad I got a TattsLotto ticket for tonight because it’s meant to be good luck isn’t it?”

It was a lighthearted moment in a game that failed to hit any great heights. Picture: Michael Klein

Howard had the last word at the half, quietly stating: “Well done to that bird.”

The ribbing wasn’t quite finished, however, with the commentary team referencing the moment again at three-quarter-time.

“We head back down boundary side to Eddie Betts and Brad Johnson,” Jason Dunstall said.

“The last time we saw Johnno he was having a little bit of bird trouble. I wonder if he’s got on top of that.”

Johnson and Betts were back in the same position, but this time the Blues and Crows great was holding a cover over Johnson’s head.

“I’m all right now. I’ve got the covers on, so we’re good to go,” Johnson said.

Betts had some protection for Johnson at the final change. Photo: Fox Sports

“But I’ll tell you who’s been on fire tonight apart from the seagulls has been Dan Houston.”

It was all a pretty amusing incident in a match that wasn’t reaching any great heights, as Collingwood attempted to rebound from last week’s heavy defeat to GWS.

With recruit Tim Membrey slotting three goals, the Pies held a 34-point lead at the long break and were well on track for their first win of the season.

As Johnson mentioned, Houston was also starring with 24 touches and five tackles at the last change.

With the advantage stretching to 70 points with a quarter remaining, the seagulls may well pose a bigger threat to Collingwood than the Power from this point on.

Originally published as ‘Good luck isn’t it?’: Footy great Brad Johnson dive-bombed by a seagull