AFL player turned Logie winner Tony Armstrong stars for bush footy club

Tony Armstrong made a winning return to footy after the Logie-winning presenter turned out in a lop-sided victory over the weekend. 

Armstrong, 32, has made himself one of Australia’s most popular sports presenters since retiring from the AFL three years ago, having played for Adelaide, Sydney and Collingwood.

Last month, Armstrong said he ‘felt like a kid again’ after joining Geelong-based Barwon Heads Seagulls, having previously undertaken a player-coach role in the local area.

Australian sports presenter Tony Armstrong made a winning start to country footy 

The Seagulls – who also boast former Pies star Nathan Brown – have enjoyed a superb season and sit third on the ladder, and Armstrong slotted in seamlessly for his bush footy debut over the weekend. 

Barwon stormed past Bellarine Football League strugglers Newscomb, winning by a mammoth 67 points with the help of Armstrong, who the Graham Kennedy Most Popular New Talent Award at this year’s Logies. 

The 32-year-old posed for photos with his blue guernsey before joining his teammates for a rendition of the Barwon club song.

The former AFL star turned out for Geelong-based side Barwon Heads Seagulls this weekend

While the breakfast presenter is busy across a number of different TV projects, the unique nature of his schedule allows for some footy time. The dashing defender could be a crucial recruit for a club expected to be challenging for the BFL title.

Seagulls coach Dan Donati said Armstrong, who was at team training on Tuesday night, is ‘keen as mustard’ to play.

‘He was there on the weekend to watch Browny play. He’s had the itch for a fair while, and I’m pleased to say last (Sunday) night he indicated he wanted to play,’ he said to KRockFootball in June.