Network Ten’s hot new drama Playing For Keeps, which has been renewed for a second season by Network 10, centres on the beautiful women whose partners are heroes to millions on the football field. They’re the ones people look out for on the red carpet; the ones whose lives seem picture-perfect on Instagram.
“We set up the show as what they already perceive the life of the WAG to be and then crack it open,” Madeleine West, 38, who plays Kath Rickards, tells TV WEEK Close Up.
“It looks like it’s high glamour, big money, with fantastic properties all over Toorak [the wealthy suburb in Melbourne’s east], but a lot of it is smoke and mirrors.”
Olympia Valance returned from Los Angeles to take on the role of Tahlia Woods.
“I thought to myself, ‘This is going to look like an expensive show – it’ll be extravagant,'” Olympia, 25, says. “The fashion is unbelievable. It’s also a beautiful cast. The boys are gorgeous. I think the public are going to love it, because it revolves around football – Aussies are fascinated by that world.”
From left: Olympia Valance, Madeleine West and Isabella Giovinazzo star in Ten’s new drama Playing For Keeps.
Madeleine and Olympia didn’t have to go far to research their characters. Both have friends who are WAGs.
“They told me stories and things that might have ended up on the show,” Madeleine reveals. “There are certain perks that go with it, but there are disadvantages too. Crikey, you’ve got to have balls of steel if you’re going to stick it out.”
Click through to meet the cast, and the characters, of Playing For Keeps.
Madeleine West – Kath Rickards
Madeleine West – Kath Rickards
Kath is the wife of Southern Jets coach Brian Rickards, and a “den mother” to the players. She’s also hot.
“She’s a woman in her forties who is still sensual and sexual, and unapologetically a bit screwed up,” Madeleine says.
For years, Kath has devoted herself to Brian and the club, but she’s now on the verge of a midlife crisis.
“For the first time in her 25-year marriage, she’s starting to say, ‘But what about me?'” Madeleine reveals.
Olympia Valance – Tahlia Woods
Olympia Valance – Tahlia Woods
A star in her own right, Tahlia is the partner of Southern Jets captain Connor Marrello.
She’s built herself an empire through social media, is intensely ambitious and isn’t afraid to speak her mind.
“Over the episodes, we see the background of Tahlia, where her drive comes from,” Olympia says. “You really feel for her by the end.”
Tahlia sees herself and Connor as a brand. But there’s more to their #blessed relationship than meets the eye.
“We see she does really, really love her partner,” Olympia says.
Isabella Giovinazzo – Jessie Davies
Isabella Giovinazzo – Jessie Davies
The wife of player Jack Davies, Jessie is a footballer herself.
“She was one of the best female players out there, but fell pregnant just as the AFLW was starting,” Isabella (far left), 28, says. “She’s definitely keen to get back on the field.”
The actress adds Jessie is “the strongest woman”. And she’s going to need all that strength with what’s about to unfold…
“She’s a great example of someone who takes on everything and doesn’t let it drown her,” Isabella says.
Jackson Gallagher – Connor Marrello
Jackson Gallagher – Connor Marrello
Club captain Connor is a talented and fiercely competitive player. Off the field, he’s a fixture on the social scene with girlfriend Tahlia.
And he’s fully aware she’s using him to help build her own profile.
“They have an interesting relationship,” Jackson, 28, says.
From the outside, Connor seems to have it all. But he’s not happy.
“Beneath the surface, he’s quite a confused young man,” Jackson says. “He’s trying to figure out who he really is.”
Cece Peters – Paige Dunkeley
Cece Peters – Paige Dunkeley
Paige is a down-to-earth high-school teacher from a Victorian country town. When she moves to Melbourne with her footy player boyfriend Daniel, a huge culture shock awaits.
George Pullar – Daniel Fletcher
George Pullar – Daniel Fletcher
Country boy Daniel isn’t exactly young, but he’s a new recruit to the Jets.
He’s finally achieving his dream of playing in the AFL, and is grateful to have girlfriend Paige by his side.
Annie Maynard – Maddy Cochrane
Annie Maynard – Maddy Cochrane
A successful lawyer, Maddy is also a busy mother-of-two and supportive wife to revered player Travis. She’s somehow managing to do it all, but the pressure is starting to mount.
Kevin Hofbauer – Travis Cochrane
Kevin Hofbauer – Travis Cochrane
An admired club veteran, Travis should have retired from footy a couple of years ago, for the sake of his body and his family. But he just loves the game too much to give it away.
Jeremy Lindsay Taylor – Brian Rickards
Jeremy Lindsay Taylor – Brian Rickards
Club coach Brian had a disappointing end to the season last year. He’s focused on taking the Southern Jets to a premiership before he – and wife Kath – retires.
Ethan Panizza – Rusty O’Reilly
Ethan Panizza – Rusty O’Reilly
No-one questions Rusty’s brilliance as a footballer, but his behaviour off the field has brought trouble for both him and the club he represents. The truth is he’s not a bad boy, he’s just misunderstood.
James Mason – Jack Davies
James Mason – Jack Davies
Jack is one of the Jets’ best players, but he has a fiery temperament. Last season, he made a terrible on-field mistake that will haunt him for the rest of his life.
Paul Ireland – Andrew Macleish
Paul Ireland – Andrew Macleish
Andrew has been president of the Jets for 10 years and is also a well-connected businessman. Just divorced, he’s prepared to do anything for one more premiership.
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