VAFA Media recognised at AFL Victoria Community Media Awards

VAFA Media has continued its success at the 2025 AFL Victoria Community Media Awards, adding two more awards to the Most Outstanding Match-Day Radio Coverage Award won in 2024.

This time around, VAFA Media’s popular weekly podcast FOR THE LOVE OF THE GAME was recognised as AFL Victoria’s ‘Most Outstanding Football Radio Show or Podcast.‘

Hosted by Jason Bennett, Paddy Grindlay and Matthew Donald, ratings exploded in season 2025, with the trio’s weekly dose of laughs and hardcore VAFA footy chat resonating with the League’s community.

New segments such as ‘Sherrin Sharpshooters,’ which recognised and celebrated weekly and season-long goalkickers, encouraged greater engagement with clubland, and allowed clubs across the sections to publicly acknowledge and celebrate their high achievers.

Increased focus on Divisional Football also played a part in the podcast’s growth, with weekly reports and breaking news from Herald Sun newshound and the pod’s ‘Divisional Guru,’ Brayden May, keeping listeners informed as to the comings and goings across the divisions each week.

Brayden – who also won an ‘Outstanding News Coverage’ award for his work with News Corp/Leader Local Footy – will take on an increased role on ‘For the Love of the Game’ in season 2026, joining Jase and Matty in-studio to co-host the show each week, with Paddy relocating to Sydney and joining GWS Giants as their Senior Social Media Manager.

“For the Love of the Game has a long and rich history in VAFA Media, with so many great people involved in hosting and producing the podcast over the years,” said VAFA Executive General Manager of Commercial, Glen Towers.

“Jase and Paddy picked up the baton at the beginning of 2024, and with Matty joining them for most of 2025, the three of them quickly found a natural chemistry based on their enthusiasm for, and love of, VAFA footy and, more broadly, footy in general.

“Our behind-the-scenes team, led by Head of Media and Digital Cameron Voss and Social Media Growth Co-Ordinator Dylan Humphries, provided wonderful support, and Dylan’s amplification of the show across our social channels throughout 2025 really took For the Love of the Game to the next level. It’s a real team effort, and we’re very proud of what they’ve delivered.

“With Brayden joining the team more closely in 2026, we’re looking forward to seeing where the boys take things next, as the show enters an exciting new chapter that will make it even easier for VAFA fans to access and enjoy it on their favourite platforms.

“Our sincere thanks to all the coaches and players who give their time so readily each week. This level of access – and their willingness to speak openly about what’s going on inside their club – makes such a difference in keeping our passionate VAFA audience informed and entertained.”

Photographer Craig Dooley also collected the AFL Victoria Media Award for ‘Most Outstanding Community Football Photograph – Essence of the Game’ for this brilliant pic snapped for VAFA Media during the Thirds Division 3 Grand Final between St Kevin’s and St Bede’s/Mentone Tigers:

The judging panel commented: “This photo captures more than a moment in play; it captures what sport truly means. The raw emotion and connection between player and fans tells a powerful story. The interaction beyond the boundary line speaks to the heart of community, reminding us that the game belongs to everyone. Tight framing keeps the focus firmly on this exchange, revealing the different characters within the scene and adding richness to the moment. A special piece of footy storytelling.”