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For the first time, a woman will be co-host of Channel Nine’s AFL Footy Show after the network announced Rebecca Maddern as Garry Lyon’s replacement.
38-year-old Maddern is a distinguished journalist in Melbourne and the number one ticket holder at the Geelong Football Club.
Her appointment is a big step for the show which has been criticised over the years for apparent sexist attitudes, particularly surrounding controversial personality Sam Newman.
Maddern admitted on 3AW that the show hadn’t always got it right when it came to representing women.
“In the past I think they’ve overstepped the mark, I think they acknowledged that. I can’t promise that they won’t again, but we will deal with that situation when it happens,” she said.
Despite the progressive announcement to have a woman co-host the show, the decision had mixed reaction from fans on social media.
While some were delighted, others thought it was nothing more than a publicity stunt.
“PC minority pressure just became too much, good luck with that 9, I’m done,” Dale said on the show’s Facebook page.
“Sam will say something stupid to her and there will be another Feminist uproar,” Danny said.
Some of the outrage and downright sexist comments haven’t deterred Maddern who told SEN Radio, the show is just as popular with women as men.
“The show is in its 23rd year, it’s extremely popular and the audience is 45 per cent women. A lot of women, including me, have watched the show from the first day… and laughed along with the majority of what is on the show.”
@mrpford is Rebecca a perm replacement or just standing in ?
— Rochelle McDonald (@romcdonald) March 29, 2016
Maddern may not be a household name outside of Victoria but she has strong credentials. She was a sports reporter for Triple M and has broken news on various other radio stations before joining the Seven Network.
As well as her reporting skills her presenting and love of football is what Nine saw as the clincher.
“She loves footy, she’s an accomplished journalist and presenter, and her personality and sense of humour suits the show. We’re excited to have her fronting The Footy Show with James [Brayshaw],” Head of production and programming Tim Cleary told Fairfax.
Maddern’s appointment by Nine comes four years after Erin Molan joined the NRL Footy Show before she eventually became a co-host in 2014.
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