Image: Luke Hemer Photography
AFL Victoria is proud to announce the winning submissions for 2024 AFL Victoria Community Football Media Awards.
AFL Victoria was pleased to receive hundreds of high quality submissions across the categories, from community media outlets across the state including regional and metro areas. AFL Victoria thanks everyone who submitted a nomination, whether it be for their own work or to recognise a member of their footy community – it is the dedicated individuals across the state who share the magic of local footy with their communties.
The awards recognise outstanding coverage of Victorian community football and the significant role media has played in promoting and supporting the local game.
2024 AFL Victoria Community Football Media Awards - WINNERS
Please note: Photography submissions were reviewed by the AFL Photos team, with submissions de-identified to ensure fair judgement.
PHOTOGRAPHY
a. Outstanding Community Football Photograph – Action
WINNER: Lachlan Chugg - Photo of Collingwood's Ash Johnson taking a mark vs Coburg VFL side in April 2024.
AFL Photos Comments:
This photo celebrates the best part of our game - perfect timing and peak action, a classic ‘speccy’ photo. Both players frozen in mid-air embodies the skill and courage the game demands from it’s players. Technically the focus is pin sharp, complemented by the vibrant colors making it a visually stunning and deserving winner.
Finalists (in no particular order) - CLICK TO VIEW ON FACEBOOK OR INSTAGRAM
Riley Lockett - AFL South East - East Brighton player competes with several Port Melbourne players in U18 Girls match
Lachlan Chugg - SFNL - Cranbourne player takes a mark against St Paul's Mckinnon player in Round 3.
Bruce Povey - Rochester
Lachlan Chugg - SFNL - Caulfield Bears player takes a pack mark against St Kilda City in Round 2.
Shaun Sharp - EDFL - The EDFL men's 18.5 Premier Division Grand Final at Windy Hill had it all. Huge contests, amazing athletic feats, and great marks, including this one hander.
Lachlan Chugg - SFNL - Heatherhill player dives in attempt to tackle a Carrum-Patterson Lakes player in Round 1.
Riley Lockett - AFL South East - Port Melbourne U18 Girls player kicks the ball
Jo Morrish - Sunraysia FNL - Ouyen United Kangas player takes a mark.
Riley Lockett - AFL South East - U19 players compete for the ball
b. Outstanding Community Football Photograph – The Essence of the Game, presented by Love the Game
WINNER: Riley Lockett - Prahran Junior Football players on the final siren after losing their grand final
AFL Photos Comments:
This photo captures the raw emotion of football and what it means to so many, young and old. Heartbreak, and the passion of the game, even for our youngest participants. The child's anguish, paired with the dejected teammates in the background, tells a deep story of effort and loss. The composition and depth of field enhance the emotional impact, making it a deserving winner.
Finalists (in no particular order) - CLICK HERE TO VIEW ON FACEBOOK OR INSTAGRAM
Shepparton News - GVL - Echuca players, Riley Smith and Mitchell Wales hyping up the crowd during the 2024 Grand Final against Shepparton
Shaun Sharp - EDFL - MEDIC! - Coburg Districts runner sprints off the ground with a player suffering severe cramp to both legs, during the EDFL Senior Women's Div 2 Grand Final. This amazing team spirit helped Coburg Districts go on and win the 2024 Premiership.
Lachlan Chugg - WRFL - Altona Juniors U14 Div 2 players celebrate their premiership
Amber Noseda - Colac District FL - Hailstorms were approaching, the mud was building, players were unrecognisable. The intense weather pattern was above, sideways and streaming down on top of the players. This was going to be the best photographic conditions for real country footy at its best. Mud, sweat and tears. The last game before finals and to seal their place as frontmen in this unforgiving game.
Riley Lockett - AFL South East - 72-Year-old trainer Alex Bevridge fills in for Eley Park Reserves team last minute after a player pulled out. Alex managed to kick a goal during the final quarter.
Shepparton News - GVL - Murchison-Toolamba player, Jayedon Hexter embraces friends and family whilst celebrating grand final win.
Shaun Sharp - EDFL - Nothing speaks local footy more than a celebration - and in this case, it was well deserved, as an undefeated Hillside came up against an inform Aberfeldie. Goals were a premium and they were celebrated well!
Lachlan Chugg - VFL - Oleg Markov and Ben Crocker share a laugh in the rooms following a VFL win over Carlton
Riley Lockett - AFL South East - Frankston Dolphins players celebrate their premiership win
WRITTEN COVERAGE - PRINT AND ONLINE
2a. Outstanding Story – Print or Online, presented by WorkSafe
WINNER: Dan Batten - Geelong Advertiser - Kenyan refugee camp to Geelong VFL hopeful
Honorable mentions:
Jason Bennett - VAFA - Michael Pisker – Most Courageous on both sides of the fence
Jonty Ralphsmith - Star News Group - From Tennant Creek to Casey
2b. Outstanding Column – Print or Online
WINNER: Jesse Robertson-Torres, McPherson Media Group – Premium Wednesdays ‘Let the cream rise to the top’ – August 7 2024
Honourable mention: Ben Ridley - Sunraysia Daily – The Riddler SFNL Analysis ‘Changing the flight path’ – May 6 2024
2c. Written Coverage - Outstanding publication or news website coverage
WINNER: Pakenham Gazette Footy Liftout - Star News Group
Honourable mention: Shepparton News
2d. Written Coverage - Outstanding community football-focused publication
WINNER: Country Footy Scores - 2024 Season Review
Honourable mention: McPherson Media Group - Football & Netball 2024
TV AND VIDEO
3a. Best use of online video or TV
WINNER: Northern Football Netball League - Top 5 Plays of the Week
Comments: An ongoing, weekly segment providing great coverage of community footy highlights across the league. The NFNL elevated its Top 5 Plays of the Week in 2024 by producing an adapting to a vertical format for emerging social media platforms like Instagram Reels to increase viewership.
Honourable mention: James Dabkowski/Essendon District Football League - Grand Final Hype Reel
RADIO AND PODCASTS
4a. Outstanding Radio Match Day Coverage, presented by CDS Vic
WINNER: VAFA SEN Match of the Day
Honourable mention: krockfootball.live - Geelong Football Netball League coverage
4b. Outstanding Football Radio Show or Podcast
WINNER: KROCK Beyond the Boundary
Honourable mention: OM Live Podcast
SERVICE TO THE GAME
5a. Outstanding Contribution to Community Football Media
WINNER: Gus Underwood - Kyabram Free Press
Comments: "There has barely been a piece of Kyabram sporting news over the past 63 years which has not first passed through the hands of Gus Underwood. The Kyabram Free Press and McPherson Media Group scribe celebrated his 80th birthday early this year and has been a fixture of the local sports journalism landscape since being handed his first assignment as a 17-year-old cadet in 1961. Gus’ contact book is immense, his nose for news still as sharp as ever – and his passion for those in the Kyabram community unmatched. Gus has had many accolades over the journey including inductions into local sport hall of fames and the naming of ‘The Gus Underwood Press Box’ at Kyabram Recreation Reserve. That type of respect and reverence can only be earnt through decades of hard work and dedication." - Tyler Maher, Editor, Shepparton News.
Honourable mention: Country Footy Scores
5b. Rising Star, presented by TAC Victoria
WINNER: Austen Krueger
Comments: For his dedication to covering football in all forms, including the Victorian Wheelchair & Community Football League, the Victorian Blind Football League, 2024 Toyota AFL Open. His commentary of these games includes detailed knowledge of the players, understandings of the unique nuances of each sport.
Category winners will be contacted directly by AFL Victoria.