The Fox’s Fifi, Fev & Nick recruit first member of The Underdogs for 2026

One of Australian radio’s most uplifting initiatives – The Underdogs – is back for 2026.

Led by The Fox’s Fifi, Fev & Nick, The Underdogs gives deserving children the chance to feel included, celebrated, and confident on some of Melbourne’s biggest sporting stages.

Now in its third year and second basketball edition, the program will see selected kids run onto John Cain Arena on Sunday, February 15, during the Melbourne United vs Illawarra Hawks NBL match.

They will take part in a half-time game in front of thousands of fans, creating a moment designed to make them feel valued, seen, and part of a team.

The initiative supports children who have experienced exclusion due to illness, bullying, or personal hardship.

This year, Fifi, Fev & Nick have welcomed 10-year-old Mila as the first Underdog of 2026.

Following an emotional chat with her mum Eleni, it was revealed Mila has faced challenges at school but had found comfort in hearing about The Underdogs last year, realising she wasn’t alone.

Eleni: “Mila is 10 years old and she’s neurodivergent. She is ASD level two and ADHD. She likes her teaches but dislikes going to school, so I’m often battling with her to even get her to school. Once I pick her up, you can see her face change, and she bawls her eyes out. She says the kids are treating her horribly or making fun of her. She does a lot of vocal stimming … so this tends to be animal sounds. They will call her ‘weird’ and she gets really upset by it and thinks everyone hates her …”

Fifi: “Oh, Eleni! I can’t even imagine as a Mum having to send Mila into that environment, being judged and teased, and not being included. I can absolutely relate to that feeling.”

Eleni: “I just want to wrap her in bubble wrap and just get them away. It’s the age as well… girls are going through so much and it’s hard for girls to understand. She takes all of it to heart, and she just breaks down and says, ‘No one likes me.’”

Fifi: “And these are formative years where you want Mila to have confidence and acceptance in herself… and that’s what is so great about our Underdogs team. Not all kids are into sport but having a day where Mila can be part of our team and we’re going to accept her with open arms and she’s going to be with other kids that are on her team! Mila is going to be part of our Underdogs!”

Registration is now open for parents around Melbourne to nominate their child for The Underdogs Basketball Edition 2026 here.

Listen to Fifi, Fev & Nick on Melbourne’s 101.9 The Fox from 6-9am weekdays, also on LiSTNR.