AFL great Bob Murphy has made a grovelling apology after an embarrassing on-air comment about his radio co-host Sharnelle Vella.

Murphy and former Channel 7 political reporter Vella do a breakfast show on the ABC, and on Wednesday morning the 42-year-old Murphy made a bizarre and inappropriate reference to a strip club while Vella was in the middle of an interview.

Listeners at the time were shocked and puzzled, while the professional and unflappable Vella did not the let the remark shake her.

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The story made headlines and on Thursday Murphy, whose inner-city schtick is usually layered with a healthy dose of political correctness, was forced into an apology.

“I think it’d be pertinent from my point of view to start with some news that came out of this studio,” the former Western Bulldogs champion said.

“For those of you who listened to the show yesterday, or have woken up to a story in the newspaper that refers to an inappropriate comment I made yesterday, I think I need to address that publicly to apologise.

Former AFL star Bob Murphy has apologised to Sharnelle Vella for insinuating she worked at a strip club. Credit: Supplied

“I did make a comment that insinuated my colleague and co-host Sharnelle here worked at Spearmint Rhino, a well-known Melbourne strip club.

“Cutting straight to the point, it was not just a mistake, it was a gross and inaccurate offhand quip.

“I promised Sharnelle that I’d never disrespect her and I did break that promise. Put simply, I’m really sorry.”

While Vella accepted the apology, her response was a little frosty.

“I won’t let you off the hook on it. It wasn’t OK,” Vella said.

“I appreciate your words but we do move on.”

Murphy’s original remark came when Vella was talking to guest Elinor Kasapidis (from Certified Practising Accountants Australia) about financial advice.

“I remember when I worked in retail many moons ago when I was still in high school …” Vella said.

Murphy then chipped in: “Not at Spearmint Rhino, the other one.”

“No,” Vella said, maintaining her professionalism and continuing with her story.

Vella and Murphy’s radio show was launched with great fanfare earlier this year.

Vella left Melbourne’s Channel 7 news team to join the ABC.

The radio show has struggled to attract ratings, however.