A Conversation with Abbey Holmes: Women in Sport Media

A Conversation with Abbey Holmes: Women in Sport Media Masterclass What does it really take to build a career in sport when there is no obvious pathway in front of you? In this conversation, Holly Bailey sits down with Abbey Holmes to unpack the unconventional journey that took her from netball and football in Darwin to becoming one of the most recognised faces in Australian football media. Abbey shares the sliding door moments, setbacks and bold decisions that shaped her career, including moving to Darwin at 20, discovering women’s football, relentlessly pursuing opportunities in media and eventually earning her chance with Channel 7. This is also a conversation about what happens behind the success. Abbey speaks candidly about learning on the job, making mistakes on live television, dealing with criticism, becoming a mum while continuing to pursue an ambitious career and the people who backed her along the way. Throughout the episode, Abbey shares powerful lessons on creating your own opportunities, building genuine relationships, asking for help, embracing feedback and being willing to put yourself out there before you feel completely ready. We also explore the changing landscape for women in sports media and why visibility matters. Abbey reflects on growing up without seeing women playing or working in football, compared with an industry today where women are increasingly visible and thriving. In this conversation: • Abbey’s journey from netball to Australian rules football and sports media • The decision to move to Darwin that changed the direction of her life • How conversations, relationships and persistence opened doors • Breaking into Channel 7 and learning television on the job • Why making mistakes has been critical to her growth • Building trust and authenticity with athletes • Women’s growing presence and influence in sports media • Navigating criticism, motherhood, ambition and public life • Why young women need to see the possibilities available to them • Abbey’s advice for anyone trying to create their own pathway in sport One of the biggest messages from Abbey’s story? There doesn’t have to be one perfect pathway. Follow what you love, put yourself in the room, start conversations and be prepared to create the opportunity you’re waiting for.