Winners announced for 2025 Women in Sport Photo Action Awards

The Women in Sport Photo Action Awards, presented at the Palangi Gallery in Sydney on 17th July saw NRLW defenders, VFLW scorpions and Super Netball giants secure the top prizes.

A striking image of Abigail Roache fending off Jessica Sergis, taken by Marina Neil has taken the top prize in the Professional category, while Daisy Nietche’s “Scorpion Tackle” shot has wowed the judges to win both the Amateur and Female Photographer category. ‍

For the first time in its seven year history, a female photographer has won the coveted Professional Category. Mariana Neil’s image of NRLW action earned her  first WISPAA title, with two images making the final 10 in 2025.‍

Chief Photographer for the AFL and WISPAA Judge Michael Willson said Neil’s shot was a “deserving winner” and added “In a really competitive field of images, this image stood out with its representation of strength, intensity and pure determination. A very strong composition coupled with a clean background makes the image really pop.”‍

Amateur photographer Daisy Neitche’s bone-crunching photo of a VFLW Port Melbourne player crunch tackling their opponent was a clear winner, taking home double WISPAA titles in the Amateur and Female Photographer Category.‍

Shane Tohl, Manager, Sports Assignments of Getty Images said the amatuer entrants showed a “clear passion for capturing sports action.

“The winner showcases such a unique human shape in a split second moment of action which leaves the viewer looking twice.”‍

10 finalists in each category were selected from over 500 photos entered, with judges Shane Tohl, Michelle Escobar, Michael Willson, Chloe Dalton tackling the task of choosing the winners.‍

The breadth of images entered covered an incredible range of sports, including diving, AFLW, cricket, netball, BMX, athletics, football and more.‍

Women Sport Australia partnered with The Female Athlete Project for the People’s Choice Award, and May Bailey’s snap of Sarah Klau battling with Mary Cholhook was a favourite among the general public of over 1,400 voters. ‍

Bailey’s shot captured 20% of the public vote and was crowned the People’s Choice winner by Chloe Dalton from The Female Athlete Project.‍

Professional, Amateur and Female Photographer winners will receive a cash prize of $850.‍

The winners were announced at the WISPAA Awards and Exhibition Event held at the Palangi Gallery in Surry Hills, Sydney.

Image.Professional Category winning image from Marina Neil - 'NRLW'. Credit: WISPAA/Getty Images