Year in review | Megan Fisher best of sport photos

By Megan Fisher

Dec 24, 2024

As the year comes to a close, I reflect on an exhilarating and rewarding journey as the senior photographer at The News. From the thrill of capturing high-impact action shots to the emotional highs and lows of district sport, it’s been a year full of unforgettable moments.

Most weekends, you would find me on the sidelines of a footy match, courtside of a netball game, or photographing a Gators basketball game. My role has allowed me to document a wide range of Goulburn Valley sports — footy, netball, basketball, tennis, cricket, and bowls — each telling its own unique story. It’s about capturing the intensity of the game and the quiet, yet meaningful, moments in between.

A major highlight of my year was co-producing and documenting the Shepparton Gators basketball season. Alongside my friend and colleague Jay Bryce, we created Underdog, a documentary chronicling the Gators’ journey and the community spirit supporting them. For six months, I filmed and photographed every home game and a few away matches, stepping into the world of documentary filmmaking — a challenge that pushed me beyond my comfort zone. Despite limited resources, we captured the heart of the Gators and the resilience of Shepparton’s sports culture.

Whether it’s an under-10 soccer game or a footy grand final, sport brings people together and I’m grateful for the chance to document those connections. This year I’ve learned that photography is about more than equipment — it’s about being present and understanding the emotions behind the images. Every shot is an opportunity to tell a story.

Looking ahead, I’m excited to continue capturing Shepparton’s sporting pulse and pushing the boundaries of my craft, whether through photography or filmmaking. As for Underdog, Jay and I are eager to see where it takes us. This year has opened new doors and possibilities and I’m grateful for the opportunity to be a storyteller in the Goulburn Valley’s vibrant sporting community.