Fifteen emerging photographers from around Australia had the opportunity of a lifetime last month, capturing the CommBank Matildas live in action as part of Our Game’s ‘In-Frame’ initiative - a key component of the Our Game Women and Non-Binary Persons in Media Program.
Held at HBF Park in Perth during the CommBank Matildas’ international friendly against Slovenia, the initiative gave participants the opportunity to sit pitch-side and capture the match through their own creative lens.
Designed to offer hands-on experience and a pathway into sports media and photography, the ‘In-Frame’ initiative offers more than just match-day access. The aim is to open doors to long-term careers in the industry, and to provide a space for women and non-binary people to flourish.
Prior to the game, participants attended an online masterclass hosted by Football Australia freelance photographer, Joseph Mayers.
The session provided insight into the practicalities of shooting at an international football match, including etiquette in the photo pit, navigating stadium logistics, and tips on capturing storytelling moments under pressure.
For many, it was their first time shooting at an elite sporting event, but for all, it was a moment to grow, connect, and to see their work - and themselves - reflected on the national stage.
For ‘In-Frame’ participant Celena Lyons, the opportunity to shoot an international football match wasn’t just about the game - it was about being seen in spaces where people like her have long been overlooked.
“I've loved seeing the support for women's sport grow and it was so exciting to have the opportunity to photograph an international game in front of a home crowd,” she said.
“I'm queer and live with chronic illnesses, so this opportunity meant a lot to me - representation and diversity matter.”
Fellow photographer Jodie Dent echoed the sentiment, describing her involvement in the Perth edition of ‘In-Frame' as nothing short of surreal.
“The access to the field and proximity to the players for the team photographs was incredible!” Dent explained.
“They walked right next to us as they came out of the tunnel on match day. To be so close to all the action to photograph was a dream.”
“Even after the match, when the players walked the field and interacted with the fans, it was amazing.
“To be field-side to take those images so crucial to the storytelling experience as photographer - I loved every second. I was there to see all the parts of the ‘Tillies effect’ and it was undeniable.”
Football Australia’s Our Game ‘In-Frame’ initiative is part of a broader commitment to building equity in football media spaces. By creating meaningful access to elite events and offering structured development, the program helps remove traditional barriers that often limit the visibility of women and non-binary creatives in sports media.
As the CommBank Matildas took to the pitch, so too did the next generation of image-makers - and the results were more than powerful, they were lasting.
Expressions of Interest now open
Are you a woman or non-binary person over 18 looking to break into football media? Whether you're passionate about photography, content creation or storytelling - we want to hear from you.
Expressions of Interest are now open for the next intake of the Football Australia Our Game Women and Non-Binary Persons in Media Program. This is not an application form, but a chance to tell us about your interests and be the first to hear about upcoming opportunities across photography, writing, broadcasting and more.
Submit your Expression of Interest here: OurGame Women and Non-Binary Persons in Media Opportunities EOI
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