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Five of our esteemed reporters – Jay Clark, Eliza Reilly, Scott Gullan, Jon Ralph and Glenn McFarlane – took home awards held at Marvel Stadium across the news, feature, opinion and AFLW categories while a further two received commendable mentions.

Clark won the award for best feature reporting in print and online, having been elevated to the chief football writer ahead of the 2025 season.

It is the second season in a row Clark has won the award, with judges commending Clark’s ability to give issues within the sport a “humanity and depth beyond standard reporting”.

“There are fewer bigger issues in the game right now than concussion, drugs in sport, and mental health. Jay told the story of these issues through current and former players – giving them a humanity and depth beyond the standard reporting. In doing so, Jay made broad societal issues tangible and relatable, and the delicate stories were told with a simple elegance that allowed the subject’s voice to shine through,” the judges’ statement read.

Senior reporters Ralph and McFarlane won the best news reporting in print and online for their “simply outstanding” story on Carlton legend Robert Walls’ decision to end his life using voluntary-assisted dying.

“The Robert Walls story is layered and complex and sparked conversation across Melbourne about voluntary euthanasia. Jon Ralph and Glenn McFarlane were the only journalists to gain words with Walls’ family, which added a significant, poignant touch to the story, and which would have brought many people to tears. It was simply outstanding.”

Code Sports reporter Reilly again won the best AFLW reporting award, having claimed the category in 2024.

Ed Bourke earned a commendable mention from the judges, who said: “Eliza narrowly beat Bourke, with the judges impressed by the quality and resourcefulness of her reporting”.

Gullan received the best opinion/analysis reporting for print and online for his story on ‘The unspoken bias that confronts under siege Laura Kane’.

The judges said that Gullan “offers an insightful commentary on the many and varied pressures faced by AFL football boss Laura Kane. Gullan’s analysis is pertinent and compassionate. He lifts the lid on Kane’s triumphs, challenges and failings – all underscored and evaluated, rightly or wrongly, by an unspoken bias.”

Michael Klein was also highly commended in the best news/feature photo category for his image of Gary Rohan’s head after surgery on a fractured skull.

Kane Cornes won the Alf Brown award for the best all-round media performer of the season for his work on Channel 7, SEN and AFL.com.au.

AFL 360 won the best TV program and Fox Footy’s Jordan Lewis won best opinion/analysis for TV, radio and online.

Collingwood AFLW captain Ruby Schleicher has been recognised for her rise in the media side of football, winning the Clinton Grybas Award for best emerging talent.

Originally published as Herald Sun and Code Sports reporters earn major accolades at AFL Media Awards