‘AT 40 IT’S A MIRACLE’
REBECCA Maddern admits she has fastidiously studied the Geelong Football Club’s fixture to determine how many games could potentially clash with her first baby’s due date in April. “Obviously I’m the No. 1 ticket holder and I’d be lying if I didn’t mention I’ve looked at the fixture,” Maddern said. “I’ll be watching it on television, but that will almost be baby’s first outing — a game at GMHBA stadium.” The 40-year-old mum-to-be happily acknowledges she and husband Trent Miller are having their first child later in life. “At 40 it’s a little minimiracle to be pregnant,” Maddern said. “So I’m very, very fortunate. It really is a blessing and I plan to cherish this time in my life.” Despite being struck with morning sickness in the early stages of her pregnancy, Maddern said she was enjoying it far more than she had expected.
“I didn’t think I would enjoy pregnancy, but I’ve really enjoyed the experience.”
The former Geelong Grammar student made history when she became the first female host of Nine Network’s The Footy Show in 2016.
The self-confessed workaholic has spent the summer filming Australian Ninja Warrior, which “is going to be a knockout”, and is preparing to co-host the first three episodes of The Footy Show when it returns this month before taking maternity leave.
“With the guys you can be guaranteed it hardly feels like going to work — I’m really looking forward to the new set, it’s still being built,” Maddern said. With new additions, including exCarlton player Brendan Fevola, and a few format changes, Maddern said viewers can be guaranteed to see a bit of a shake-up. While Maddern and Miller have been preparing for their new family member by decorating a nursery and putting flatpack furniture together, football is never far from Maddern’s mind. Her child will have “no choice” about which team he or she barracks for and Maddern is “really excited’’ her newborn will be able to see Gary Ablett Junior make his highly-anticipated return to the cattery. “I have such incredible memories of watching Gary play, of watching his dad play,” she said. “I’ve been watching Abletts all of my football life — they bring such joy and we’ve got a really good team.”
Maddern has even hinted that some of the Geelong players could give her inspiration for baby names.
“Well, it’s a toss up between Gary, Joel, Patrick — there are plenty to choose from,” Maddern said.
But the couple do not know the sex of their child, with Maddern desperate for a surprise.
“Yes, my husband did want to know, everyone is desperate to early on,” Maddern said.
“But I believe it’s one of the very few surprises in life that are a legitimate surprise.”
She said Miller has decided on two names, one for each sex, and made the quick decision while the pair were in the doctor’s waiting room.
“I said to him, ‘we’re going to have to start thinking about names soon’,” Maddern said.
Miller picked up a baby name book in the hospital waiting room and said, “I’ll do it right now”.
Maddern, who hasn’t said when she will return to The Footy Show after taking maternity leave, says her husband has been a pillar of support.
“He’s incredibly caring and nurturing,” Maddern said.
“When I’ve been ill with morning sickness – he was incredible and doing a mountain of washing.”