Greater Western Sydney GIANTS’ number one ticket holder, Melissa Doyle knows all about being a mum in footy.
With two kids, a demanding role on Sunrise on Channel 7 and a multitude of involvements with charities and sporting clubs, Mel is one of the busiest women in Sydney.
One of her favorite activities is heading to the local footy on the weekend with her husband, daughter and son.
“I first got involved in AFL about five or six years ago when my son started playing at local level,” Doyle said.
“As a family we are all working and busy so it’s important for us to find time to spend together on the weekend.
“For us, jumping in the car and going to the footy together has been a huge benefit, we’ve found it to be a really fun family day out.
“One of the things that I was most impressed with was that the coach directed his firstspeech at the mums and promised us that he’d take care of our boys.”
Click here to see a special feature on GIANTS house mother, Melissa Lambert
With AFL Women’s Round upon us this weekend, Mel said that she was amused to discover that the same sense of camaraderie exists between mothers at all levels of the game.
“I think that mums have a big say in what sports their kids play. We are the ones who are scrubbing the boots and driving the kids to training.
“I was blown away when I first became involved with the GIANTS. I was at a game having a glass of champagne with some of the players’ mums and they were all really supportive of each other.
“They were all chatting and I realized that the same concerns that I have about my kids when they are playing are still the same at a professional level. They werehoping that the boys played well, had fun and didn’t get injured.”
Mel highlighted the importance of women in Australia’s game and said that the friendly, family atmosphere was what drew her entire family to the AFL.
“Women play a massive role in footy at all levels.
“I’ve met a few incredible women involved with the AFL who are doing amazing things, GIANTS board member Gab Trainor and Felicity Harley are just a couple of examples.
“I find that the footy is a really lovely family atmosphere. We can take our eight-year-old daughter to the football and she feels comfortable and safe.
“You can sit beside someone at a game who is wearing the opposing team’s jumper and have no issues.
“I think sometimes that is something that we take for granted in this country.”
GIANTS Ladies Lunch
When: Friday, August 3, 2012
Where: Doltone House, Darling Island Wharf, 48 Pirrama Road, Pyrmont
Included: 3 course menu plus premium drinks
Cost per guest $200 +GST
Cost per table of 10 $2 000 + GST
