Last year's winning photo for Outstanding Community Football Photograph - Action, by Luke Hemer.
Nominations for the 2026 AFL Victoria Community Football Media Awards have been extended, with entries now closing at 11.59pm on Sunday, 25 October.
The extended nomination period provides more opportunity to recognise outstanding contributors across all areas of community football media and ensure the awards reflect the breadth and quality of work being produced across Victoria.
The expanded awards program now features 13 awards across six categories, including two new honours: Outstanding Short-Form Content Piece or Series and Outstanding Use of Club/League Social Media Channels.
The additions acknowledge the increasingly important role social media, short-form video and digital-first storytelling play in connecting communities, promoting participation and sharing local footy stories with new audiences.
They also shine a light on the volunteers, club administrators, media managers and content creators who are often juggling multiple responsibilities while keeping their football communities informed, engaged and connected.
Click here to nominate an individual / organisation for the 2026 AFL Victoria Community Football Media Awards.
Click here for the 2026 categories and criteria.
This new wave of football media will be celebrated alongside excellence in photography, journalism, broadcasting and video production at a presentation event later this year, with Head of AFL Victoria Greg Madigan saying the awards continue to evolve alongside the way community football is covered and consumed.
"Community football stories are being told in more ways than ever before,” Madigan said.
"The introduction of the Content Creation category recognises the new wave of media and the incredible work being done by individual creators across Victoria, especially at club or league level where many are producing high-quality content while balancing a range of volunteer and professional commitments."
"All of these awards celebrate excellence and the people helping tell the stories of local football and strengthen connections within their communities."
Nominations are open to individuals and organisations operating in either volunteer or professional
capacities, with winners selected by the following panel of key AFL and AFL Victoria figures:
• Greg Madigan – Head of AFL Victoria
• Jay Allen – AFL General Manager Corporate Affairs
• Riley Brettell – AFL Victoria Partnerships Manager
• Paul Milo – AFL Victoria Club Development & Experience Manager
• Sarah Morton and Michael Willson – AFL Photos
• Mitchell Jones – AFL Digital Network Managing Editor
Categories and Awards
1. Photography
a. Outstanding Community Football Photograph – Action
b. Outstanding Community Football Photograph – The Essence of the Game, presented by Love the Game
2. Written coverage – Print and Online
a. Outstanding Feature Story – Print or Online, presented by WorkSafe
b. Outstanding News Coverage – Print or Online
c. Outstanding Column - Print or Online
3. TV or Online Video
a. Outstanding Use of TV or Online Video
4. Radio and Podcasts
a. Outstanding Radio Match Day Coverage, presented by CDS Vic
b. Outstanding Football Radio Show or Podcast
5. Content Creation
a. Outstanding Short-Form Content Piece or Series
b. Outstanding Use of Club/League Social Media Channels
6. Service to the Game
a. Outstanding Contribution to Community Football Media
b. Outstanding Coverage – Diversity and Inclusion
c. Rising Star, presented by TAC Victoria
Download the full category descriptions and selection criteria here.