ABC News Breakfast sports presenter Tony Armstrong ‘thought he was going to die’

ABC News Breakfast sports presenter Tony Armstrong feared for his life on Monday after a spontaneous burst of energy from co-host and Western Bulldogs fanatic Michael Rowland.

The panel was discussing the Bulldogs’ nail-biting weekend success in snatching eighth place and automatic qualification for next week’s AFL finals series. 

The 2016 premiers defeated Hawthorn on Sunday but had to nervously wait for other results to go their way before being assured of finals qualification.

After initially appearing calm and collected, Rowland couldn’t control his excitement any longer as he lunged at Tony with both arms while screaming: ‘We’re in! We’re in!’

Michael then grabbed Tony’s arm and started dancing in his chair. 

Tony, who played 35 AFL matches for Adelaide, Sydney and Collingwood from 2010 to 2015, yelled in terror at Rowland’s antics, which also startled co-host Lisa Millar as she leapt from her chair.

‘You genuinely scared me,’ Tony said. ‘I thought I was going to die! It’s 6:12am, I don’t need that! Who needs coffee?!’

The breakfast show later posted the clip on social media alongside the caption: ‘[Tony]’s life just flashed before his eyes!’

A number of viewers shared their thoughts on the uproarious interaction.

‘The look on your face, Tony, is priceless buddy,’ one said, while another replied, ‘That is way too much energy for 6:12am on a Monday.’

‘I think Michael’s reaction was totally normal actually! Why was everyone so freaked out?’ another viewer wrote.

Tony also retweeted the video, telling Michael to ‘sleep with one eye open’ from here on.