Tony Jones discovers he’s related to former Geelong superstar

Footy Show host Tony Jones has revealed he’s related to an AFL great – with the relationship set to be the topic of discussion at his workplace.

Tony Jones – Sunday Footy Show 2023. Picture: Supplied/Channel 9

Footy Show host Tony Jones has previously mentioned his recent discovery of being related to an AFL superstar, but until now has not revealed who the player was.

It has now been revealed that the player is in fact three-time premiership Geelong player, Jimmy Bartel.

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The connection was reportedly uncovered by Bartel’s mum Dianne, according to News Corp.

The pair are both employees at Channel 9, so it may become a topic of conversation on next week’s Sunday Footy Show.

It comes after a turbulent year for Jones on the Footy Show, starting the year with a public back-and-forth with old rival presenter Tim Watson.

Jones slammed Watson — and Channel 7 for its AFL season promotions — during a rant on the Sunday Footy Show ahead of Round 2 that left panellists Kane Cornes, Nathan Brown, Matthew Lloyd and Damien Barrett in stitches.

Tony Jones hosts the Sunday Footy Show on Channel 9. Picture: Channel 9

Jones and Watson, the Essendon legend who has transitioned into a popular sport presenter on 7 News’ 6pm bulletin, have frequently traded barbs in public in recent years and it appears Jones couldn’t resist throwing the first punch in 2023.

The 61-year-old hammered Seven for a promotional video where Watson promised viewers news from “inside” AFL venues and “inside the team rooms”.

Jones then showed viewers a mash-up clip of Seven reporters, including meteorologist Jane Bunn, presenting from outside the MCG in the hours before Thursday night’s season opening draw between Richmond and Carlton at the MCG — and then he let his rival network have it.

He said his “old mate Timmy Watson” was “guilty by association”.

Former Geelong star Jimmy Bartel. Picture by Michael Klein

“When you pay billions (for the AFL TV rights) you would expect to get the front door key to the MCG,” Jones said.

“Here is Timmy telling us and all the other non-broadcast holders how we do it outside the game.

“Pretty compelling stuff. I had a look at their news on the opening night. Here is Blake Johnson, a senior reporter outside the ground. There is senior reporter Nick McCallum. Mitch Cleary, chief football reporter. Jane Bunn outside.

“Timmy, did you read the script properly? Well done, Seven for thinking outside the square.”

Cornes was left giggling and responded to the rant by saying: “Very strong start TJ. No prisoners kept”.