AFL fans have welcomed a new voice in the commentary box after Jess Webster made her TV debut on the weekend.
Webster is a new addition to Fox Footy’s rotation of commentators this season and she called her first game on TV on Sunday afternoon when North Melbourne defeated Port Adelaide at Marvel Stadium.
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Webster called the action alongside veteran commentator Dwayne Russell and experts Cam Mooney and Jack Riewoldt.
“Core memories,” Webster wrote on Instagram.
“Thank you for all your kind messages! And to @dwaynerussell1 @riewoldtjack08 @cammoon21 @kathloughnan @davidzita1 for looking after me today. Onwards and upwards.”
Webster has called games for the ABC and Triple M, impressing last year with her call of Nasiah Wanganeen-Milera’s matchwinning display for St Kilda against the Demons.
“There were nerves but I just wanted to enjoy it,” Webster told SEN on Monday.
“This has been a dream for me since I was a kid. I wanted to enjoy the moment and celebrate being there. I was like a little kid. It was awesome. I was very happy to get there and get my opportunity.”
The 36-year-old called North Melbourne’s 46-point win with aplomb and footy fans were full of praise for her TV debut behind the mic.
Russell wrote on Instagram: “Great honour for me to sit next to the next big superstar of sport broadcasting! Thanks @foxfooty Brilliant again today Jess!!”
Riewoldt and Fox Footy’s Sarah Jones also wrote messages of support.
The ABC’s Catherine Murphy commented: “Congrats.”
Channel 9’s Charles Croucher said: “Well done Webby – you should be immensely proud.”
ESPN’s Jasper Chellappah added: “Superstar. Jess Webster is just an out and out gun caller. Been lucky to have her on the Ms, crushed it calling on Fox today. How good.”
AAP’s Oliver Caffrey said: “Absolute star. All-time debut.”
Webster follows in the footsteps of Fox Footy’s Kelli Underwood, becoming the second female caller of AFL on TV.
One fan wrote: “It felt natural hearing you commentate the footy Jess that I didn’t realise it was your first TV appearance. Can’t wait to hear more of you on Kayo!”
A second said: “Wasn’t even going to bother putting on North v Port until you all let me know Jess Webster is commentating. Immediately threw it on.”
A third said: “So good to see Jess Webster get a TV gig. Been a gun on the Ms for quite a while.”
“Jess Webster play by play unbelievably good. Love a bit of enunciation,” another added.
A fan said on Reddit: “She looks so happy to be there, very enthusiastic and has great commentary. Breath of fresh air honestly.”
“It’s been a very, very long journey,” Webster told the Herald Sun last week.
“Since I was a kid I dreamed of it, this is my 17th year in the industry so it’s been a slow burn.
“Everyone has their own pathway, mine has been a slow burn, some have a meteoric rise to the top it just hasn’t been mine.
“I’ve had a number of setbacks. I got to a place where I called AFL level regularly on radio and lost it twice so this is my third comeback.
“I’m going to be the happiest woman alive. I certainly think my inner child is going to be pretty pleased as well.
“Sunday for me is a celebration, it’s a joyful moment and it does make all the difficult times worth it.”
Originally published as ‘Breath of fresh air’: AFL fans praise ‘superstar’ commentator’s TV debut