Channel 7 AFL reporter returns to air after admitting to kiss behind fiancee’s back

Channel 7 AFL journalist Mitch Cleary has returned to his broadcasting duties after admitting he kissed another woman behind his fiancee’s back.

Just one day after releasing a statement confirming the swirling rumours on Instagram, Cleary appeared on the Tradies podcast with fellow sports reporter Sam McClure to address the situation publicly.

“Before we start the regular part of the pod Mitch, it would be disingenuous to us and to our listeners and our fan base without addressing what’s happened in the last 24 hours, of which you’ve publicly made a statement,” McClure began.

“Do you want to add anything to that statement at all?”

Cleary replied: “Yeah. I made a really bad error in judgement on a night out last year, and I’m dealing with the consequences of that.

“It’s caused so much hurt and stress and embarrassment to those closest to me, most importantly Kate and my daughter.

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“I’m working through it with those around me in a private setting because it’s a personal matter. Those around me, the thoughts of everyone are at the forefront.

“I’ve got to wear that and I’ve got to work through the consequences as part of it.”

McClure said he understood it was now a personal matter for Cleary and his family to work on away from the public.

Cleary signed off by saying: “We cross over on trades and that sort of thing in terms of the personal lives of people. So it wouldn’t be fair if I didn’t come on here and address that I made a major error.

“But we are a footy show, there’s footy trades on the horizon, keen to talk about that.”

On Tuesday, Cleary shared a statement on Instagram where he admitted to the past indiscretion after his partner, Kate Watts, had shared a cryptic post about the state of their relationship.

In the post, Watts, a respected sports journalist with racing.com, shared the name of a staff member at an AFL club and accused her of being involved with Cleary.

Cleary did not address when the kiss took place, but it’s been widely reported it was in November 2025 during on off-season trip. His partner would have been pregnant with their first child at the time.

“I am sorry for the hurt and embarrassment I have caused for all parties,” he wrote.

“The kiss was a terrible error in judgement for which I am incredibly sorry, and I am dealing with the consequences privately with my family and those closest to me. I don’t want to diminish my actions, but most of what has been suggested about the circumstances is not accurate.”

Cleary and Watts share a daughter together, who was born in February.

They have been together for five years, and got engaged two years ago.

Nine.com.au has reached out to Cleary and Watts for comment.