Jess Webster made her TV debut for Fox Footy over the weekend, and AFL fans have praised her commentary skills.
The 36-year-old called her first game alongside veteran commentator Dwayne Russell and experts Cam Mooney and Jack Riewoldt on Sunday afternoon, in the match between North Melbourne and Port Adelaide.
“Core memories,” she 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 previously called games for the ABC and Triple M, with one of her most memorable commentary being the match between St Kilda and the Demons last year.
“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.”
AFL fans and fellow commentators were quick to share their support and praise for Webster.
“Great honour for me to sit next to the next big superstar of sport broadcasting! Thanks @foxfooty Brilliant again today Jess!!” Dwayne Russell wrote in response to her post.
The ABC’s Catherine Murphy commented: “Congrats.”
Channel 9’s Charles Croucher added: “Well done Webby – you should be immensely proud.”
“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,” ESPN’s Jasper Chellappah added.
“Absolute star. All-time debut,” AAP’s Oliver Caffrey.
Fans wrote on social media: “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!”
“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,” another added.
“So good to see Jess Webster get a TV gig. Been a gun on the Ms for quite a while,” a third wrote.
“Jess Webster play by play unbelievably good. Love a bit of enunciation,” a fourth commented.
“She looks so happy to be there, very enthusiastic and has great commentary. Breath of fresh air honestly,” another added.
Prior to her debut, Webster opened up about how eager she was to appear on Fox Footy, saying that it has been a “very, very long journey”, with it being her 17th year in the sports industry.
“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,” she said.
“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.”
Image: Instagram
