Debate erupts over ripped Swans star’s weigh-in ambush

Swans star Isaac Heeney was told to step on the scales during a live TV ambush — and it has sparked a social media spotfire.

Isaac Heeney making Adonis himself jealous. Photo: Channel 7.

If you looked like Isaac Heeney, you wouldn’t mind stepping on the scales on live TV either.

The Swans star was ambushed by Channel 7’s Brian Taylor in the sheds after Sydney’s emphatic win over Richmond on Friday night at Adelaide Oval.

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The Swans were clearly buzzing after fending off a third quarter fight back from the Tigers to run away with a superb 18.14 (122) to 11.12 (78) win.

It showed in the jubilant post-match scenes in the dressing rooms as Taylor rolled around for his weekly Roaming Brian segment.

He eventually spotted Heeney stepping off the scales at the far end of the room and was emphatic in telling Heeney to step back on the scales for the live TV broadcast.

Isaac Heeney steps on the scales for Roaming Brian. Photo: Channel 7.

Isaac Heeney making Adonis himself jealous. Photo: Channel 7.

Cameras captured the numbers that showed up on the scales and Heeney told the commentator with a smile that he had lost “a couple” kilos.

Heeney grinned through the exchange, but not everybody thought it was harmless fun.

Debate has flared on social media over how appropriate it was for Heeney to be put on the spot.

Taylor was in a lose-lose situation with some fans taking to Twitter to declare they wanted to see more of Heeney’s shredded physique, while some suggested it overstepped the mark.

BT captured Heeney's post-match weigh in 😅 pic.twitter.com/D51dSz4Flw

— 7AFL (@7AFL) April 14, 2023

The Age’s football reporter Marnie Vinall received a flurry of responses after posting on Twitter: “We actually really don’t need to know, let alone televise, player’s weights”.

South Australian journalist Scott Murphy responded to the tweet by saying: “Anything to be ‘outraged’ about. PS, players weights are on the AFL app”.

Vinall also posted: “Not “outraged” just making a critical comment - which male journos in this industry do all the time.

“And yep — as I said in the thread — I know this but that’s different from cornering a player doing a post match weigh in. Each to their own, just feels intrusive and weird to me.”

She further defended her position when criticised by fans, posting: “Obviously there is public info around player weights, I know that, but post-match weigh ins don’t really seem for us + we’ve seen players uncomfortable with things like skinfolds.

“So 8/10 players are probably ok with it but it’s just a pretty weird and intrusive thing to do imo.

“Yeah I agree it’s interesting and if anyone wants to share that info, then great, but that’s a bit different to cornering someone weighing themselves and televising it.”

Isaac Heeney had plenty to celebrate on Friday night. Photo by Sarah Reed/AFL Photos via Getty Images.

Heeney’s form on the field was as impressive as his chiselled rig, again among Sydney’s best in the 44-point win in front of 42.134 spectators in Adelaide.

Tom Papley was the six-goal hero for the Swans, his second half explosion a new career-best score return.

“It’s not always about the goals with Tom, although it was tonight,” Sydney coach John Longmire said with a wry smile.

“His ability to hit the scoreboard at important times was crucial, but also his ability to win important one-on-ones up the ground then get back inside 50, keep his feet and hit the scoreboard was outstanding.

“He was really good.”

There was drama earlier in the match with the Swans denied a goal after the ball appeared to make contact with loose padding on a goalpost.

The Swans face a tough challenge against the Cats in Geelong in Round 6.

Originally published as Debate erupts over ripped Swans star’s weigh-in ambush