Optus Sport has assembled its female-led broadcast team ahead of the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2019, bringing together Australia’s best journalists and football talent.
Melanie McLaughlin will be joining Amy Duggan to host the overnight coverage of all 52 games of the tournament on Optus Sport, with presenter Richard Bayliss leading the live highlights show each morning.
In addition, an impressive group of former Matildas and Socceroos will provide expert analysis across the coverage, joining former Matildas Heather Garriock and Alicia Fergusonin this role.
This includes former captain and FFA Hall of Fame inductee Cheryl Salisbury, as well as current Western Sydney W-League assistant coach Catherine Cannuli, former Canberra united striker Ashley Sykes, former Brisbane Roar midfielder Amy Chapman, current Western Sydney Wanderers player Georgia Yeoman-Dale as well as former Melbourne Victory midfielder Tal Karp.
The former Socceroos joining the team are Mark Schwarzer, John Aloisi, current Western Sydney W-League coach Dean Heffernan and current Sydney FC W-League coach Ante Juric.
Optus Sport welcomes back Jules Breach, who after hosting coverage of the 2018 FIFA World Cup, will join the crews in France alongside reporters Niav Owens and Michelle Escobar.
“It has been a spectacular year of football on Optus Sport. From the 2018 FIFA World Cup through to the UEFA Champions League, I still can’t quite believe what we witnessed in the semi-finals and we have still got an all-England final to go,” host Mel McLaughlin said.
“It sets things up perfectly for Optus Sport’s coverage of the FIFA Women’s World Cup. I don’t think people realise just how exciting and how massive this tournament is going to be and how lucky we are to be seeing every single minute.
“Add to that, the Matildas are genuine contenders and the whole month is going to feel like Christmas for football fans.
“I’m in awe of the broadcast team that Optus Sport has put together, some of this team I have loved and idolised for years. I’m just so proud to be part of what will be the most comprehensive coverage this country has seen – and what the game and the Matildas deserve.”
Optus Sport is the only place to watch all 52 matches of the FIFA Women’s World Cup tournament live, and the broadcast team will provide extensive match coverage, expert opinion, in-depth analysis and behind the scenes access from France.
“We have declared this FIFA Women’s World Cup will be the most comprehensive coverage Australia has seen, and it is this stellar broadcast team that will bring our coverage together for our viewers,” Optus’ head of TV and content Corin Dimopoulos said.
BROADCAST TEAM SUMMARY:
Hosts
Amy Duggan, Melanie McLaughlin and Richard Bayliss.
Experts
Heather Garriock, Alicia Ferguson, Cheryl Salisbury, Mark Schwarzer, John Aloisi, Catherine Cannuli, Ashley Sykes, Georgia Yeoman-Dale, Amy Chapman, Tal Karp, Dean Heffernan and Ante Juric.
Reporters
Jules Breach, Niav Owens and Michelle Escobar.
Optus Sport broadcast partners for the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2019 include Nike, Powerade and Huawei.