Underdogs – The Australian Kelpies Story

The inspiration for this project stems from a study by Swinburne University, revealing that LGBTQIA+ young people have significantly lower participation rates in sports compared to their non-LGBTQIA+ peers. The study also found that 80% of participants in Australian sports have witnessed or experienced homophobia, yet only 16% of individuals in the sporting sector identify as part of a diverse sexuality or gender identity. This highlights the prevalence of homophobia in Australian sports, often going unchallenged. Traditional male sports are perceived as unwelcoming, toxic, and unsafe for queer individuals. Moreover, 60% of people believe that a positive track record on LGBTQIA+ inclusion by a sporting organisation would encourage their participation. By showcasing the rise of men’s netball, we can imagine a brighter future for queer athletes, improving their visibility and acceptance in Australian sports. This film aims to challenge norms and create a more inclusive environment.

The Kelpies provide a much-needed alternative perspective for queer people who are passionate about sports. Over a quarter of the Australian team identifies as gay—a statistic virtually unheard of in any other male sport. Alongside their Queer team mates are a cohort of straight men who refuse to buy into the misogynistic idea that playing a ‘sport for girls’ makes them less of a man.

As men’s netball continues to grow in popularity, it is likely to foster greater inclusion and acceptance for Queer people, as well as providing much needed representation of straight male sportsmen who are proud to stand as allies to women and queer people.

Men’s netball is growing significantly, and in 2023, the Kelpies were televised for the first time with talks of a World Cup and potential inclusion in the 2032 Brisbane Olympics.

Our goal is to inspire a new generation of athletes unafraid to show the world who they truly are, challenge Australia’s perception of what it means to be a ‘man in sport,’ and increase LGBTQIA+ youth participation in sports by providing them with the role models the Kelpies never had.

The director, Lukas Radovich, has the full support of AMMNA (Australian Mens and Mixed Netball Association) to document the 2025 Trans Tasman Cup. Heath Brown (Head of Strategy) has personally signed off on the project.

Nerida Stewart, Head Coach of the Kelpies, as well as the team itself are supportive of the project. Liam Forcadilla, current Kelpie and International Player of the Year, also has a personal relationship with Lukas, and is his partner.

Fox Sports has given access to all game footage, both archival and future, to use within the Documentary.

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