Ally Anderson helped break new ground for women in the inaugural AFLW season, but now, the Brisbane Lions midfielder is blazing another trail with NITV.
The Gangulu woman switched her boots for a headset & microphone last weekend to provide special comments for NITV’s coverage of the NEAFL clash between the Redland Bombers and NT Thunder.
It was actually really good. I was nervous at first but once I got into it - it was really enjoyable.
“It was definitely a new experience,” she said.
“It wasn’t something that I ever kind of thought to do or considered but then when they asked me I was kind of like, ‘yeah, I’m always up for trying new things’. It was actually really good. I was nervous at first but once I got into it - it was really enjoyable."
Anderson’s football resume is impressive. She part of the Brisbane Lions side that played in the grand final of the inaugural AFLW season, and is a coach in the AFL KickStart program while mentoring the Queensland under-15 women’s Indigenous side
Anderson is also studying to be a paramedic. Little wonder she’s happy to play the student while learning the nuances of the commentary booth.
Alongside Anderson, on Saturday, was her former Zillmere Eagles’ team mate Jess Webster. Now the NEAFL’s media manager, Webster is also the author of “Gods of Thunder.” A book which traces the formation of the NT Thunder Football Club back to the all-conquering NTFL representative teams of the 1980s.
Also an accomplished boundary rider for ABC Radio, Saturday’s match was Webster’s first providing play-by-play commentary of Australia’s national game.
Heading NITV’s Queensland NEAFL commentary team is Sunshine Coast caller Mark Kennedy. Once a feature of St Kilda and Brisbane AFL backlines, “Kanga” played alongside the great Nicky Winmar and Gilbert McAdam. With such AFL royalty as a benchmark, Kennedy has a good eye for recognising talent.
“Ally, the way she translates her experience with the Brisbane Lions women’s team, has been terrific,” he said.
“And I think Jess, her player knowledge was very good. Her understanding of the game generally is excellent. And I think it’s a great foundation and building block.
Meantime, Anderson says she’s can’t wait for her next NEAFL call when the Southport Sharks host NT Thunder.
“It’ll be good to go again and use what I’ve learnt and also develop that way, just try and learn some more and yeah, who knows, maybe do some more games after that.”
Source: @allyanderson94 - Instagram
You can watch Redland Bombers versus NT Thunder, commentated by Anderson, Webster and Kennedy, on NITV on Tuesday April 25 at 9.30pm AEST.
The NITV’s regular coverage of the NEAFL can be seen on channel 34 of Fox 144 on Tuesdays at 9.30pm, Wednesdays at 12pm or on Sundays at 3.30pm.
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