‘I’m an easy target’: Broadcasting trailblazer Kelli Underwood laughs off trolls

Fox Footy commentator Kelli Underwood is used to copping a barrage of negative remarks everytime she gets behind the microphone, but the broadcasting pioneer won’t let it get under her skin.

Broadcasting trailblazer Kelli Underwood is proud that she’s been an inspiration to other women who want a career in football.

The Fox Footy commentator, who became the first woman to call an AFL game back in 2009 with Network 10, says the positives far outweigh the negatives of being an “easy target” in an ever-changing industry.

“Being the first at anything is never easy and I’m a very easy target and I get that,’’ she said.

“I think I bring a different style and a different perspective and a different voice, in what is an opinion-based business, and it’s not an easy industry for anyone, man or woman.

Underwood has been awarded a Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) for Services to Broadcasting. Picture: Jason Edwards

“I hope I’ve been able to inspire other women who love footy that may have previously been unable to see themselves working in this industry. It is possible to become a broadcaster of men’s and women’s sport and you don’t need to be a champion of the game to broadcast it. That’s what I hope I’ve been able to create by what I’ve done.”

Underwood’s pioneering efforts were acknowledged with an Australia Day honour, after being recognised with an Order of Australia for Services to Broadcasting.

Her first commentating stint ended at Ten after two seasons but she has continued behind the microphone at both Fox Footy and ABC Radio.

“There’s definitely been a bumpy ride, definitely difficult times but the good has far outweighed any negativity whatsoever,’’ she said.

“I got a letter in the post from the Victorian Governor and found out I’m going to receive the medal at Government House later this year and it’s my grandma’s birthday. My grandma was the one who ignited this passion for sport and storytelling at a really young age and our family revolved around her. She was this big personality and we gathered at her house and watched all sports on her TV. She would be 101 on the day I receive the medal from the Governor and that makes my heart happy and that’s lovely to me.”

Kelli Underwood says she isn’t affected by what people say about her on social media. Picture: Scott Barbour

Underwood, a mum to a nine year-old daughter Tess who isn’t interested in football, has paid tribute to other women around her and those colleagues who continue to inspire her.

She understands the vagaries of social media but isn’t affected by it.

“Someone might say to me you’re trending and I chuckle to myself and think, I wonder when BT (Brian Taylor) or Kane Cornes is calling next or Kingy (David King) is going to fire up,’’ she said.

“It’s so predictable and I have this ability to laugh it off. I don’t deal with it, look at it and it’s just silly.

“To think I’ve been able to take one of the loves of my life and make a career out of it has been so rewarding. I put myself out there and I want to make sport accessible to everyone.

“I knew what I was doing when I was going to be the first, I want to be an advocate of women’s sport, I want to encourage and promote diversity and create a platform for others. you know when you’re putting yourself out there you know people are going to have different opinions.”

Kelli Underwood, Ruby Schleicher and Lauren Wood on the set of AFLW On Fox. Picture: Supplied

Underwood has stepped down as host of ABC’s Offsiders this year given her increased workload commentating for 40 consecutive weeks with AFL and AFLW.

But she is loving being immersed in the Fox Footy team.

“Every time I walk in there I’m surrounded by positive people,’’ she said.

“The media industry is changing to be more reflective of society both in front and behind the camera. I’m a big champion for diversity in the workplace and you just look at our team and I’m proud to stand alongside Eddie Betts and Shaun Burgoyne — two of the best Indigenous players the league has ever seen.

“Not to mention our talented women on camera, Sarah Jones, Kath Loughnan, Ruby Schleicher and Lauren Wood. What’s changed since I’ve been there as well is those behind the camera, there’s brilliant female producers and crew members. From when we started back in 2001 in footy it’s changed so much and I think all of those people I’ve mentioned bring different perspectives and opinions and it also represents everyone who is watching.

“If it wasn’t for them I wouldn’t be receiving the (Australian Day) honour. Usually with footy this time of year I don’t want to talk about it but I can’t wait to get my teeth stuck into it, I’m pumped.”