The Fox’s Fifi, Fev & Nick’s ‘The Underdogs’ returned to centre court at John Cain Arena last Sunday, running out during half time of the Melbourne United v Illawarra Hawks NBL clash.
Now in its third year, and second basketball edition, The Underdogs supports primary school-aged children who have experienced exclusion due to illness, bullying or personal hardship. On February 15, selected kids formed a guard of honour for Melbourne United before playing a half-time game in front of a sold-out crowd, and running out on the court with Fifi Box, Brendan ‘Fev’ Fevola, and Nick Cody.
For many, it was their first time as part of a sporting team.
Fifi (pictured above) gave a mention to the bravery of the parents who phoned into The Fox saying:
“We know how hard that was to pick up the phone and sometimes you need to reach out to people that can feel or relate to what you’re going through. No child will ever be ignored or left out on our watch!”
The Underdogs also met Melbourne United players and received Reebok sneakers as part of the experience.
The following morning, Fifi Box reflected on the impact of the initiative, while a Melbourne United fan who attended the game phoned in to describe his own thoughts on the atmosphere inside the arena.
Fifi: I’ve woken up with a spring in my step! I was honoured and privileged to be there. These kids are doing it tough and they’re primary school kids that should be enjoying life but for various reasons they’re not invited on play dates… they don’t even get that experience of a team sport, and some of those kids are misunderstood.
Fev: My favourite bit is the parents call up and say their kids can’t play games of sport at school and they don’t get included, but with The Underdogs when they run on, they see the goals and they grab a ball and they’re straight for it! Doesn’t matter what we’ve got ready for them; they own that court. That’s my favourite bit. The smiles on their faces, they all have balls and throwing them, and they’re like, ‘Do I get another go?’, you can throw it as much as you want!
Caller Ian: We were at the game yesterday, and it wasn’t just the parents of the kids who were emotional. My wife and I probably cheered more at half time than we did during the game! (laughs) My wife was cheering and pointing out the kids. When Fev picked the little kid up to get closer to the ring, my wife was jumping up and down… it was absolutely amazing. I’ll tell you now: there’s a special place in heaven for the three of you. The stuff you do like this, it’s not for ratings or a cash grab, it’s not for the adults… it’s purely for the kids. It’s actually giving back… I’m actually getting a bit emotional. It’s amazing to see.
Fifi: Oh, Ian! I’m getting emotional listening to you!
Ian: I also want to say a special thank you to Nick. My wife and I were on the concourse after waiting for a friend and Nick was actually on the phone when we saw him. He hung up the phone to speak to us!
Nick: … Oh, that’s right!
Ian: The impact to end a phone call to say hello and speak to us…
Nick: … It was my kids! I’d had enough (laughs)
There’ll be more in store for Fifi, Fev & Nick’s The Underdogs in 2026.
Listen to Fifi, Fev & Nick on Melbourne’s 101.9 The Fox from 6-9am weekdays, also on LiSTNR.
Images by Melbourne United.