Abbey Way sides with fellow sport presenter Erin Molan on NRL anti-vaxxers
Sports reporter Abbey Way has lifted the lid over comments made by presenter Erin Molan over the culture of anti-vaccination for some NRL stars.
Confidential
Don't miss out on the headlines from Confidential. Followed categories will be added to My News.
Television sports journalist Abbey Way is on her second viewing of Netflix’s Michael Jordan documentary “The Last Dance.”
That’s what happens when a passionate sports fan can’t cover any live sport. They have to get their sports fix whenever they can.
While basketball is not one of the many sports she covers for Channel 7 (that would be cricket, AFL, horse racing and the Olympics in 2021) the documentary has opened her eyes to the lack of unfiltered athletes in Australian sport.
“We like our athletes to be exceptional but humble which is wonderful … but I personally love it, where, especially in that NBA, athletes say exactly how they feel,” she tells The Saturday Telegraph.
“But we have institutions and systems in place, and media training at clubs, that teaches players to respond in certain ways.”
Way, who also is co-host of House Rules, points out there is obviously a backlash when players speak their mind, like the anti-vaxxers taking a stance in the NRL.
“If you have an opinion it becomes national news and it’s probably the clubs trying to protect their players but I love it, I want to see more of it and maybe we might be little more relaxed in that space going forward.”
While she won’t comment on the anti-vaxxer issue itself, she does agree with broadcaster Erin Molan that anti-vaxxers comparing themselves to those victims of the Holocaust is a step too far.
“Erin’s position in not comparing these sorts of issues to the Holocaust might be the best way forward. You are more than welcome to have an opinion and argue it but I think there are limits of what is acceptable and that crosses the line.”
Crossing a line has been on the forefront of Way’s mind recently after she made headlines for calling out a sexist troll on social media after she left a crown emoji on a picture of AFL player Nathan Fyfe on Channel 7’s AFL Instagram page.
A commenter wrote “Lady wants a Fyfe,” under the emoji before referring to her as a “bitty”, which is a slang term defined as “bitch, girl, woman, especially one that is promiscuous”.
Way called out on the comment on her Instagram, saying, “‘Lady is a sports journo at the network that made this post AND a Freo (Fremantle) supporter. Grow up,” and received an outpouring of support.
She’s embarrassed by the attention her “little rant” caused, but glad she spoke up.
“Sadly you get used to it and I will rarely say anything to be totally honest because you have to pick your battles,” the 29-year-old said.
“But when it’s meant to be offensive, I am more than happy to stand up for myself.
“Girls of every age need to know you can be into sport and admire athletes for their athleticism and that’s all it is.”
Originally from Western Australia, Way dreamt of becoming a lawyer before a career counsellor suggested she try journalism due to her deep voice.
She admits she’s struggled being away from her family during isolation and not being able to work.
“I’m not coping that well with it all. That separation particularly with family members who aren’t 100 per cent, it brings a bit of anxiety to it all,” she says.
“But that’s on the lesser scale of what some people are going through at the moment.”
She can’t wait to get back to work when AFL starts up, but says the time away as made her appreciate her day job even more.
“If someone would have said to me in Year 12 that before 30 you would be across AFL, cricket, horse racing, the Olympics and by the way you will be co-hosting a show with Jamie Durie, I wouldn’t have believed them,” she says.
“But all I’ve ever done is take opportunities when they come along, follow things I’m passionate about and work really hard and I’m so glad it’s all fallen the way it has.”