Melbourne champion Garry Lyon apologises for on air gaffe calling Tanya Plibersek minister for BS
Melbourne legend Garry Lyon has apologised for calling Social Services Minister Tanya Plibersek the minister for “bullshit” in a hot mic incident that accidentally aired on Wednesday.
Lyon, alongside Fox Footy AFL 360 co-host Gerard Whateley, were chatting with former Sydney coach John Longmire during an ad break, with the behind the scenes footage accidentally uploaded to a third party website.
Longmire mentioned in the casual chat that he had caught up with Governor-General Sam Mostyn during the week, alongside fellow Swans players, coaches and administrators.
Garry Lyon and Adam Simpson during the off-air recording. FOX Sports
A photo of the group with Mostyn and Plibersek then came up on the screen, prompting Whateley to innocently ask what the latter was currently serving as the minster of.
“Bullshit”, Lyon answered.
“Don’t say that,” Longmire laughed.
The pair laughed at the quip before continuing to plan for the upcoming segment, alongside Longmire and former West Coast coach Adam Simpson.
Whateley and Simpson then began chatting about Carlton and player errors they were about to highlight, before Lyon interjected with Plibersek’s real role, having Googled it: Social Services Minister.
“I think mine was more accurate,” Lyon added, however.
Crikey, who first reported the story, received a statement from Fox Footy and Lyon in the aftermath, apologising for the comments.
“FOXTEL unreservedly apologises for a comment made in reference to Federal Minister Tanya Plibersek last night,” Fox Sports managing director Steve Crawley said.
“The off-air comment was made by Garry Lyon during an ad-break on AFL 360 and while the comment did not go to air, it was inadvertently included in the program when it was uploaded to another platform later Thursday night.
“The comment during the break does not reflect our values and standards and was disrespectful to the Minister and the hard work that she and all politicians do in representing our community.
“We have apologised to the Minister this morning and reminded our presenters of the need to be respectful and professional at all times, both on and off camera.”
Lyon also issued his own apology saying: “I apologise personally to Minister Plibersek. While the comment was meant in jest it was clearly disrespectful and I am sorry for the offence and embarrassment it caused.”
The former Melbourne captain has served as co-host for AFL 360 since the start of 2025, taking over after the station axed long-time host Mark Robinson.
Lyon also took on a key role in the return of AFL State of Origin in 2026, serving as Victoria’s chief selector.
Source: https://www.nine.com.au/sport/afl/news-2026-garry-lyon-hot-mic-incident-tanya-plibersek-fox-footy-afl-360-apology-20260402-p5zl1e.html