- It has laid new ground for women in the media in AFL
- Has been regularly targeted by trolls throughout the journey
- Now facing fresh attacks after Australia Day honor
Savage trolls have attacked groundbreaking AFL commentator Kelli Underwood after the veteran broadcaster and journalist was recognized in the Australia Day Honors List.
Underwood was awarded an Australian Order for Service to Broadcast Media following the following groundbreaking achievements in sports media.
She made history in 2009 as the first woman to call an AFL game on television, a milestone for gender representation in sports broadcasting.
Underwood has worked extensively in television and radio, contributing to notable programs on networks such as Fox Sports, ABC and Channel Ten.
She has organized and reported on major sports including AFL, cricket, netball and tennis, establishing herself as a versatile and authoritative voice in sports journalism.
Underwood co-hosted the ABC's Offsiders, a panel show discussing major sports news and issues, and has also been part of the Channel Ten project.
Kelli Underwood (right), pictured with colleague Sarah Jones, has been a trailblazer for women in AFL Media and was honored for her work on Australia Day
His work has gained wide recognition, including 2018 Sports Broadcaster of the Year at the Australian Sports Commission Media Awards.
She has also been praised for her ability to break down complex sports topics and engage diverse audiences.
Underwood is also a vocal advocate for gender equality in sports media and has mentored aspiring journalists, promoting their impact beyond the screen.
But she has also gathered a following of trolls who have tormented her throughout her career, with some choosing to attack her for receiving the Australia Day honour.
'Hahahahaha classic dei here. She is the consensus worst commentator in the game. And I reward her,' one published.
“Giving Kelli Underwood an Order of Australia medal for streaming is like giving Raygun one for breakdancing,” said another on social media platform X.
“I literally can't stand listening to her during games,” another posted.
Underwood has been regularly attacked by internet trolls who criticized her voice, style and presence throughout her career.
Underwood has evolved from a game commentator to an analyst and has appeared on many sports-related television shows.
Underwood said she had a “target on her back” since she started in the male-dominated industry
She spoke about the adversity she has faced since the beginning of her career.
“The best way to describe it: I put my hand on the door handle before anyone thought a woman had earned the right to walk through the door,” he told foxfooty.com.au
'I knew at that time that door handle would be red. I knew what was waiting for me on the other side, but I had a fire in my belly. I deeply believed it was the right thing to do.
'I also thought that if it wasn't me, who is going to do it?
'The fact that almost 20 years ago I was the first woman to enter an AFL commentary box to commentate, this (OAM) feels like a pat on the back for being brave and resilient at the end of the day.
'I've always had a sense of purpose. I've always had these beliefs that have carried me. Being first is a lonely place. You always have a target on your back and I knew that from the first call I made.
'It's not an easy industry for anyone: a man or a woman.
'Through hard work and resilience, I've gotten my head and my butt down…at the end of the day, I absolutely love my colleagues.
“I feel like I have the best job in the world.”