footy photography – without the footy

Mascots, these are the parents who volunteer their time to sweat profusely inside a stuffy fluffy costume each Sunday morning. The mascot brings a bit of fun and laughter to the game, they lighten the atmosphere and are an important addition to the team. Well done to all the parents who survived the dress ups this year.

footy photography – without the footy

With grit and determination these kids play Aussie rules. Each weekend at their local suburban ground these kids run in packs to chase down the ball. Scrambling and tackling to break free, their aim to make a play toward the goal. And in between their faces grimace, their only thoughts are on the ball. They stretch and bend to keep their bodies warm, awaiting the screeching siren’s call, to once again run in packs to chase down the illusive oval ball.

footy photography – without the footy

These are the faces of the next generation, concentrating, listening, deciphering the instructions, learning the finer points of the game we call ‘footy’.

footy photography – without the footy

I started out shooting the game but soon discovered the shots between the play held much more of the emotion and concentration of this patched together team of nine years olds.