Melissa Barbieri (L) with Mel McLaughlin | (Credit: Kristi Miller/The Daily Telegraph) Melissa Barbieri (L) with Mel McLaughlin | (Credit: Kristi Miller/The Daily Telegraph)

Melissa Barbieri has never been shy about breaking new ground and last Friday the Matildas' captain notched up another first.

During Fox Sports' A-League coverage of Melbourne Heart v Gold Coast United, Barbieri became their first female sideline commentator.

The appearance was six months in the making with Barbieri first putting things into motion late last year.

"It was something that I have also wanted to give a go so I thought I would get in contact with the FFA careers manager Glen Warry."

From there she was put into contact with Fox Sports' Executive Producer of Football Murray Shaw and, although it took a few more months to iron it out, the call finally came.

While Barbieri is no stranger to the cameras and microphone, being on the other side was an alien experience for the 32 year old.

"It's funny I was nervous a little bit beforehand," she said.

"But I figured that I know the game and as soon as the camera's turned to me it was like it was me after a game on the pitch, on the sidelines being interviewed."

"If I didn't watch the A-League or football in general, I think I would have been a lot more nervous."

She had experienced Fox Sports anchor Melanie McLaughlin to assist her through the process, but there was still plenty of unfamiliar challenges to negotiate.

"The hardest part was having someone in your ear telling you something while you are watching the game and trying to explain the highlights."

"There is a lot of things going on and a lot of senses have to be working all at once. I think I did pretty well to start with but I don't think I am perfect at it yet."

An avid supporter and student of football, commentating on the game she loves was the next logical step for the self-confessed "football tragic".

"Just because you are a footballer it doesn’t necessarily mean you like watching the game."

"I watch the A-League a lot, as much as possible. I also tend to watch the English Premier League more than any other league."

Females commentating on male sports have not had an easy time of it in broadcasting. However the response to Barbieri's stint on the sidelines has been overwhelmingly positive. So much so that during the Fox Sports broadcast, Barbieri's name was soon trending on Twitter.

"I haven't got on the haters yet," Barbieri quipped. "Although I am sure they will turn up eventually."

"The response from the A-League players themselves was the most humbling."

"Whenever anyone saw me, they came over and congratulated me and that is really humbling to be treated like one of them."

As to whether we can expect to see more of her in the sideline commentator or special comments role in the future?

"I would love to commentate more in the future. I just hope I get another chance to do it."

"I would love to get involved in commentating, coaching; anything to do with football. It has been my life for so long that I don't think I can retire and go out of the game completely."