Kate McCarthy, a former player for the Brisbane Lions, St Kilda, and Hawthorn, is taking a proactive role in promoting the women’s game through her new show, Talking W. Launched by the Seven Network in 2024, this program aims to fill a gap in the coverage of the AFL Women’s League (AFLW), particularly as reports indicate the league is facing annual losses of approximately $50 million.
McCarthy, who joined Seven’s commentary team this year, emphasizes the importance of a “holistic” perspective on women’s sports. She believes that financial metrics are not the only indicators of success. “When you invest in something, you invest in it for the long run,” she stated. “If you think of the impact that women’s football has had, it’s been far greater than the financial returns.”
Talking W: A New Chapter in AFLW Coverage
The show, designed to provide in-depth analysis and critique of women’s football, is entering its second season as the AFLW kicks off its tenth season. McCarthy’s initial co-host, former Adelaide player and Australian Survivor contestant Abbey Holmes, is currently on leave following the birth of her child in June. In her absence, Riley Beveridge, a former Fox Footy reporter, has stepped in. McCarthy expressed excitement about working with Beveridge, noting his extensive knowledge of both men’s and women’s football since the league’s inception.
“We wanted to have a show dedicated to the women’s side of the sport,” McCarthy explained. “There hadn’t been much coverage from these types of shows on networks, especially compared to the wealth of programs focused on men’s football.”
The shift towards women’s football is evident not just in McCarthy’s show but across Seven’s entire sports programming. This year, the network has replaced the long-running Talking Footy with two new shows: The Agenda Setters featuring notable commentators such as Craig Hutchison and Kane Cornes, and Hamish McLaren’s Unfiltered on Wednesdays.
A Bright Future for Women’s Football
With players like Jasmine Garner from North Melbourne noted as key figures to watch this season, enthusiasm for the AFLW continues to grow. McCarthy remarked that the women’s game is gaining momentum and is here to stay, bolstered by strong support from the Australian Football League (AFL).
Reflecting on the evolving landscape of sports broadcasting, McCarthy stated, “I’ve only worked in really respectful environments. The men or women that I’ve worked with have done it in a way where there hasn’t really been any locker room talk.” This shift signifies a positive change in the football community, moving past outdated norms.
As the AFLW continues to develop, Talking W aims to provide a platform that celebrates and thoroughly analyzes women’s football, ensuring that the conversation surrounding it remains robust and inclusive. McCarthy’s commitment to this vision highlights a growing recognition of women’s sports and their significance in the broader sporting world.
