However, both men and women left highly degrading comments on the Facebook page only minutes after Maddern was announced as co-host. Footy Show co-host: Rebecca Maddern. Credit:Getty Images One man wrote: "What complete f---w-- put a woman on the footy show ... Can't we have one show?" One commenter made a lewd suggestion, and then said: "Can't see any other reason why she'd be hired." Meanwhile, one woman wrote: "Not interested in women talking about footy. They have never kicked a footy or played in an AFL team. They get too emotional and I'd rather leave it to the blokes. Give me a break from political correctness."

Another woman said: "What a load of crap. I enjoy the schoolboy humour. Sick of the gender equalising based on political correctness rather than actual need. Watch the ratings go down." A third wrote: "Will no longer be watching! Soon they will have women in the teams!" Others suggested Maddern's appointment was "politically correct nonsense", while others proclaimed The Footy Show a "men's shed" and "hallowed ground". "There are some jobs in life that women don't belong in ... AFL footy is one of them," one person said. Dozens more comments followed in a similar vein.

Others were quick to jump to Maddern's defence and welcome her to the program, with some despairing at the sexism and misogyny on display. "Check out the sexist comments. Perfectly demonstrates what I've been saying about the football culture in Australia. All in its incredible glory," one woman wrote. One man said: "Can't believe some people on this page. It's 2016, about time a women got a go on the footy shows. Women's league starting in 2017. Better start getting use[d] to seeing women on footy shows and footy media. Well done Bec Maddern." "I think that's a bit of an insult to Rebecca's insane football knowledge. She's literally a walking talking encyclopedia of football both past and present. I reckon everyone with doubts should give her a chance before writing her off, you may be pleasantly surprised," another woman said. The Footy Show has been criticised over the years for being blokey and at times sexist, however, in an interview with sports radio station SEN on Wednesday morning Maddern said she did not believe the show was misogynistic.

"I wouldn't be joining a show like that if I truly thought that it was what the show is about. I think that is very much a minority view," she said. "The show is in its 23rd year, it's extremely popular and the audience is 45 per cent women. A lot of women, including me, have watched the show from the first day … and laughed along with the majority of what is on the show." Yet, Channel Nine Melbourne's managing director Ian Paterson said it was a good time to "reset" the program. "Having Rebecca come on board to co-host with her own perspective is a relevant decision, and we're really excited at the prospect of what her dynamic personality will bring to the show," he said.

In a separate interview on radio station 3AW on Wednesday morning, Maddern conceded that a controversial 2008 incident, in which Newman groped a lingerie-clad mannequin dressed as Fairfax journalist Caroline Wilson, was indeed sexist. Maddern said she did not believe the show was "100 per cent sexist", but added that her presence would make it less so. "If you think elements perhaps are sexist then yes, it will be less sexist," she said. Maddern dismissed suggestions she would bring an unpredictable Newman into line. "I'm not his mother. I'm not going to go and control Sam Newman," she said.

Maddern, Geelong's number one ticket holder, had been at Channel Seven for more than 13 years, but reportedly made the switch to Nine after the rival network became aware her contract was on the verge of expiring. It follows in the footsteps of the NRL Footy Show, which is now co-hosted by Channel Nine sports reporter Erin Molan. Channel Nine Melbourne's head of production and programming Tim Cleary said he had always felt Maddern could host her own show. "She loves footy, she's an accomplished journalist and presenter, and her personality and sense of humour suits the show. We're excited to have her fronting The Footy Show with James." The cast of The Footy Show was the subject of much public attention earlier this year. Lyon had an affair with the former wife of another panellist, Billy Brownless, and the two recently had a public falling out.