Finalists announced for ASC Media Awards
The biggest moments and the biggest names in Australian sport have been recognised as finalists for the 24th Australian Sports Commission (ASC) Media Awards.
The biggest moments and the biggest names in Australian sport have been recognised as finalists for the 24th Australian Sports Commission (ASC) Media Awards.
A total of 52 finalists have been named from more than 380 submissions, with entries ranging from Gout Gout’s breakout season, to the theatre of primetime blockbusters and the challenges facing local sporting clubs.
The Media Awards recognise excellence in Australian sports journalism, broadcasting, production, digital media, podcasts and photography. They are the only dedicated sports media awards in Australia.
The finalists represent a range of outlets and sports, including the ABC, Australian Community Media, News Corp, Nine Network, Nine newspapers, NITV, Seven Network and a suite of independent outlets.
A Rising Star will also be recognised for the second year, with the award to be presented to a person aged 30 or under or new to the industry, for their exceptional work throughout the year.
Nominees for this award include Dan Batten (Geelong Advertiser), Grace Beckmore (photographer for NSW Swifts), Henry Hanson (ABC), Libby and Georgie Trickett (Sportish) and Marnie Vinall (ABC).
ASC CEO Kieren Perkins OAM said the ASC Media Awards remain a significant moment on our sporting calendar.
“We’ve witnessed another brilliant year in sport, and it’s the media who help bring those moments to life, connecting people to sport from the local oval to the world’s biggest competitions,” he said.
“The calibre of sports journalism, production and photography this year has been extraordinary, and I commend each finalist on earning recognition in such a competitive field.”
Finalists will be invited to the event at the Sydney Cricket Ground on 23 February 2026 which will also see another individual acknowledged as a Lifetime Achievement recipient for their body of work in the media industry.
Congratulations to the 2025 finalists:
Best depiction of inclusive sport • Ann Odong, The Female Athlete Project ‘[un]written - the new faces of Australian sport’ • NITV / SBS ‘NITV News 2025 Koori Knockout’ • Vicki Schwarz, Nine News Adelaide ‘Thomas’ goal’ • Henry Hanson, ABC ‘Queer inclusion in fringe sports in Australia’ Best reporting of an issue in sport • Jessica Halloran and Stephen Rice, The Australian ‘Predator in the vault’ • Will Crouch, Nine News Adelaide ‘Adelaide Lightning collapse’ • Chris Rowbottom, ABC ‘Tasmania’s stadium stoush’ • Kate O’Halloran, ABC ‘Concussion, menopause and fitness trackers’ Best coverage of sport for people with disability • The Periscope Crew, ‘Everywhere’ • Tennis Australia, ‘Maddy’s story’ • Elizabeth Wright, ABC ‘The highs, lows and everything in-between of Para and disabled sport’ • Charles Brice, ABC ‘Wheelchair Rugby World Challenge’
Best sport podcast • Sportish, Libby Trickett and Georgie Trickett • In The Beginning, Liam Flanagan and Courtney Atkinson • ABC Sport Daily, ABC • The Back Court, Netball Australia • The Final Word Cricket Podcast, Geoff Lemon and Adam Collins Best coverage of a sporting event • Seven Network, Bathurst 1000 • BigVoice Media Group / SBS, Australian Surf Life Saving Championships – The Aussies • SBS, Tour de France and Tour de France Femmes • Nine Network, NRLW and NRL Grand Final Best sports photography • Cameron Spencer, Getty ‘Clocked’ • Peter Argent for Koori Mail ‘Dog in the chase’ • Scott Barbour for Tennis Australia ‘Australian Open Tennis’ • Martin Keep, AFP ‘All eyes on Gout Gout’ • Grace Beckmore for NSW Swifts ‘Suncorp Super Netball Sydney derby’ Best sports documentary • ‘Unbreakable: The Jelena Dokic Story’ In Films / Nine Network • ‘Sydney 2000: The Best Ever’ Nine Network • ‘End game with Tony Armstrong’ Barking Mad Productions / Smashing Films / Allstory Pictures / ABC • ‘Changing Track’ ARA Films • ‘Reignite: A Brisbane Heat story’ Brisbane Heat Best sport profile – written • Andrew Webster, The Australian ‘The Power and the Pettiness: how Phil Gould imposes his will on rugby league’ • Dan Walsh, Sydney Morning Herald ‘Blake Steep heard his dad’s last words in the middle of the ocean. Then he saved his life’ • Marnie Vinall, ABC ‘Huge dysphoria': First current AFLW player undergoes top surgery’ • Adam Burnett, Cricket Australia ‘Always home: Phillip Hughes & a Macksville Love Story’ Best sport coverage by an individual – broadcast • Corbin Middlemas, ABC / Fox • Gerard Whateley, SEN / Fox Footy • Bruce McAvaney, Seven Network / SBS • Brenton Speed, Nine Network / Stan Sport Best coverage of local and community sport • Melanie Dinjaski, Canberra Times ‘Heartbreak, controversy and collapses in Canberra sport’ • Vince Rugari, Sydney Morning Herald ‘They’re the best soccer team in the bush. But they’ve got nowhere to play’ • James Gardiner, Newcastle Herald ‘Driving 100,000kms for a premiership dream. Is this Australia's most dedicated team?’ • Dan Batten, Geelong Advertiser ‘The characters, costs and challenges in community footy’ Best coverage of a sport by a club or organisation • Box Hill Hawks, 2025 VFL season • Melbourne Victory, Behind the badge • Football Australia, A championship for the community • Paddle Australia, Paddle Forward ‘32 Best sport coverage by an individual – written • Tom Decent, Sydney Morning Herald • Michael Gleeson, The Age • Scott Gullan, Herald Sun • Sam Squiers, FoxSports.com.au • Peter Badel, Courier Mail