AFL Coach’s ‘Embarrassment’ Jab Ignites Press Conference Ejection Clash in Escalating Feud

Western Bulldogs Coach Luke Beveridge and Reporter Tom Morris to Reconcile on TV

Three years after a fiery press conference clash, Western Bulldogs coach Luke Beveridge and journalist Tom Morris will meet face-to-face on Channel Nine’s Footy Classified to settle their feud. The pair has not spoken since Beveridge’s explosive 2022 outburst, which made headlines across the AFL world.

[Image: Luke Beveridge during the 2022 press conference, looking visibly upset]

The Infamous Explosion
On March 17, 2022, Beveridge slammed Morris as an “embarrassment” during a post-match press conference after a Bulldogs loss. The coach was furious that Morris had leaked news of premiership midfielder Lachie Hunter’s omission from the team before the official announcement. “You’ve been preying on us and causing turmoil,” Beveridge raged. “Is that the gutter journalist you want to be?” The confrontation drew widespread criticism, with calls for Beveridge to be fined up to $100,000.

Morris was fired by Fox Sports less than 24 hours later after unrelated recordings surfaced of him making offensive remarks about women, LGBTQ+ individuals, and colleagues. Beveridge later admitted regret for his handling of the situation, calling it the only time in his eight-year coaching tenure that he “let the club down.”

[Image: Tom Morris speaking at a 2021 media event]

Moving Forward
Despite his remorse, Beveridge initially stated he had “no need” to contact Morris again. Now, the two will share a stage on Footy Classified as part of the AFL Coaches’ Association’s media partnership. The show’s producers have confirmed they’ll be seated side by side during the broadcast.

Beveridge, who led the Bulldogs to a 2016 premiership, dismissed rumors of mental health struggles after the incident. “I’ve never felt healthier,” he said in late 2022. “[But] nothing is gained by pouring petrol on what’s already happened.”

[Image: Beveridge coaching the Bulldogs during a 2023 match]

The Road to Resolution
The televised reconciliation marks a significant step in closing a chapter that rattled the AFL community. Fans and analysts will watch closely to see if the pair can finally bury the hatchet—or if old tensions resurface.