Geelong Cats star Bailey Smith is the latest high-profile athlete to deliver an awkward blow to long-time Channel Nine sports presenter Tony Jones, after coldly blanking him live on air.
The incident unfolded as Jones hyped what he described as an ‘exclusive’ interview with Smith, who has quickly become one of the most recognisable faces in the AFL since his high-profile move to the Geelong Cats.
Teasing the moment as a major scoop, Jones addressed viewers directly and ramping up the suspense.
‘Get all those graphics ready, exclusive, it’s happening now, developing story,’ he announced. ‘Roll the interview.’
But instead of a sit-down chat or breaking news revelation, the segment cut to pre-recorded footage of Smith arriving at Cats training with earbuds in and eyes locked on his phone.
Jones could be heard attempting to speak to the 24-year-old midfielder. ‘Bailey, how you feeling mate? Feeling good?’ he asked.
Tony Jones has been builting a dossier of cringeworthy moments and has added another one to his list
Claiming to have an exclusive interview with Geelong Cats star Bailey Smith, Jones watched the midfielder just walk past and blank him completely
Smith has become a controversial AFL figure since his highly publicised move from the Western Bulldogs to Geelong
Smith didn’t so much as glance up. He continued walking without acknowledging the question or the camera.
The brief exchange – or lack thereof – quickly became the latest addition to Jones’ growing list of uncomfortable TV moments.
One user commented, ‘Gave him as much as Bec Judd,’ referencing the now infamous 2016 moment when Jones leaned in for a goodbye kiss from Nine colleague Rebecca Judd – only for her to pull away on live television.
The seasoned presenter, known by the nickname ‘Chompers,’ has become somewhat of a magnet for cringe-worthy on-air interactions.
Jones, who has worked at Channel Nine since 1986 and currently fronts Nine News Melbourne’s sports segment, has also hosted the network’s Australian Open coverage.
Earlier this year, he landed in hot water after making dismissive remarks about tennis champion Novak Djokovic during a live broadcast.
Referring to the 24-time Grand Slam winner as ‘overrated’ and a ‘has-been,’ Jones added ‘kick him out’ in a pointed nod to Djokovic’s controversial 2022 deportation over his COVID-19 vaccination status.
Djokovic refused to appear in any further Channel Nine interviews during the tournament, prompting Jones to issue a public apology on Today.
Jones has got several noses out of joint in recent times, including tennis champion Novak Djokovic
Jones made a habit of harrassing famous footy WAG Rebecca Judd, including trying to kiss her live on air
Judd was not having a bar of it, instantly recoiling away and also declining an invitation to attend a barbeque at Jones’ house
‘I now understand why that upset him so deeply,’ Jones said. ‘It was meant as a joke, but it clearly wasn’t funny.’
Despite the apology, the Serbian Council of Australia lodged a formal complaint with the Human Rights Commission, branding the comments ‘racist’ and ‘offensive.’
The Djokovic saga followed years of other awkward moments for Jones, including his infamous 2013 live cross in which he asked Judd if she wanted to ‘come ’round for a barbie.’ She swiftly responded, ‘No, thanks.’
In more recent years, Jones has also been the subject of mockery from sports stars themselves.
In early 2025, tennis star Nick Kyrgios took part in a viral parody skit mocking Jones’ treatment of Djokovic and his exaggerated on-air personality.
Smith, who joined the Geelong Cats in the 2024 trade period after an ACL injury wiped out his season, has made headlines both on and off the field.
The former Western Bulldogs midfielder is known for his explosive play, fashion sense, and a mullet that’s earned cult status among fans.
But he’s no stranger to controversy. In 2022, Smith was suspended for two games after images surfaced of him holding an illicit substance. He later apologised, citing mental health struggles.
This season, he’s been a key contributor for Geelong, averaging over 30 disposals per game and helping lift the Cats back into top-four contention.
Still, his time in Geelong hasn’t been without incident. In April 2025, Smith was fined $1,000 for making an obscene gesture toward an Adelaide fan who had heckled club captain Patrick Dangerfield.
He also drew criticism for a cheeky post-match dig at his former club’s crowd sizes in Ballarat, comparing them unfavourably to Geelong’s fan base.
