2026 Lacrosse Victoria Imagery Award Winners

We are thrilled to officially announce the winners of the 2026 Lacrosse Victoria Imagery Awards!

With nearly 100 entries submitted again this year, our community continues to show its passion both on and off the field. You may have noticed that this year our competition expanded from Photo of the Year to the Imagery Awards, introducing our first standalone Video of the Year category alongside our traditional photography honours.

At its core, this initiative is about celebrating and recognising our dedicated volunteer documentarians. Victorian lacrosse simply would not have a visual record without your tireless work every weekend. From parents braving early mornings on the sidelines to more experienced creators capturing the speed of the senior grades, we cannot thank you enough for sharing your view of the game.

The standard across the board made shortlisting an enormous challenge, and it was fantastic to see so many brand new names in the mix this year.

Video Clip of the Year Winner: Kane Mannix (SportLaxOZ)

Judges' Note: Video brings a dynamic dimension to lacrosse that still photography simply cannot match. It captures the true pace of our game, especially the impressive speed of the ball coming off the stick of a junior player shown throughout this clip.

Kane Mannix’s video is an expertly crafted mini-movie that weaves sideline coaching, subtle audio, and crisp ground-level highlights into a seamless matchday story. We see short-form video on our feeds every day, but it takes immense skill, preparation, and editing to make a complex package look effortless. Just like the sport itself, the hard work behind the scenes is what makes the end result look so fluid.

Photo of the Year Winner: Claus Larsen

The scoring for Photo of the Year was so tight that it went to an additional judge to break the tie at the top of the pool.

Judges' Note: Claus Larsen’s photo captures the speed, intensity, and physical contest of senior women’s lacrosse.

The technical execution is flawless. With razor-sharp focus through multiple converging sticks, frozen movement, and intense concentration on the ball carrier’s face, it showcases the relentless pressure of a triple team defence. It is dynamic yet balanced and an outstanding example of Australian sports action photography.

Photo of the Year Runner-Up: Jessica Iuliano

Judges' Note: Jessica Iuliano’s photo is a brilliant capture of ground-level chaos and determination.

The tight framing brings the viewer right into the game at ground level. In all the movement around it, the ball is the one thing that stays completely still and sharp. It serves as a great metaphor for the sport: no matter the pressure, everything hinges on that single ball. A gritty, energetic shot that shows Victorian lacrosse at its most competitive.

The Spirit of Lacrosse Winner: Wendy Leyten

Judges' Note: Wendy Leyten’s black-and-white portrait catches a young Victorian athlete in the changeroom after taking the field for the Australian U16 team. Gear dumped on the floor, an Australian top tossed over the wall behind him, and straight onto his phone like every teenager on the planet.

The photo highlights the genuine dedication of our young athletes. These junior players are not just the future growth of Victorian lacrosse; they are everyday role models for the kids coming up right behind them. It captures the real, unvarnished human side of junior sport.

Amateur Lens Winner: Kerry Low

Judges' Note: Great sports photography from the sidelines is not about having the most expensive camera gear. It is about seeing the game differently.

Kerry Low’s skyward, wide-angle shot looking up into the team huddle brings a fresh, playful perspective to weekend lacrosse. It captures the team bond and the fun of junior sport from an angle we often see in professional leagues.

This award also recognises all the parents on the sidelines who turn up with fancy cameras or just their phones, capturing every moment of the season and backing their young players like it is a World Cup final.

Looking Ahead to 2027

Always keep shooting! The 2027 Lacrosse Victoria Imagery Awards are officially underway, with any photos or video clips captured between August 2026 and August 2027 eligible for next year's titles. The entry portal will open much earlier next year, so keep an eye on our social media for the information and link.

Thank you again to everyone who contributed to this year's contest.