Looking back: Seymour's Ben Rigoni celebrates a late goal in his side’s clash against Kyabram in Goulburn Valley League. It was one of Aydin Payne’s top photos from 2023.
Photo by
Aydin Payne
It has been a memorable 12 months in the Goulburn Valley sporting landscape.
I was lucky enough to be on hand to witness some of them live, from the Goulburn Valley Suns’ Australia Cup run, to Katandra’s emotion-filled Haisman Shield triumph to Congupna’s insane reserves premiership.
Not only was I boundary-side to watch these unforgettable scenes, I had the camera and lens along with me for the ride.
You will find I have selected some of my favourite snaps from the past year, with just about every sport in the GV covered.
As someone who has grown up only ever wanting to write and report on sport, the past couple of years I’ve discovered a passion for sports photography.
And, while I still enjoy putting words to an athlete or team’s successes and tribulations, there is something incredible about capturing a moment that you can savour and look back on months and years after it has happened.
It was plenty of fun to look back and select my top photos from 2023. I hope you find someone you know and find the same enjoyment I did.
News sports editor Aydin Payne selects his top photos from 2023.
Elation: Nagambie's Sarah Villinger is embraced by wicket keeper Shae Merrifield.
Photo by
Aydin Payne
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Oh what a night: Brandon Giaccherini celebrates with fans following the final whistle.
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Aydin Payne
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What a moment: Katandra players celebrate the Haisman Shield premiership.
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Aydin Payne
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Clutch: Congupna's Thomas Phillips celebrates after he tied the game up in the final minute of the game.
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Aydin Payne
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Brace yourself: Nagambie's Elli Maltman with a direct run-out while Sarah Villinger watches on.
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Aydin Payne
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Slice shot: Kialla Park-Old Students White's Yi-Reh Tay.
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Aydin Payne
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Winners: Congupna's Matt Barclay runs to embrace a supporter.
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Aydin Payne
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One eye on the prize" Tatura's Elsie Boyer.
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Aydin Payne
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Kyabram's Charlie McLay celebrates a wicket.
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Aydin Payne
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Relief: Mulwala's Zechariah Cuppins after the siren in the Murray Football League grand final.
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Aydin Payne
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The sealer: GV Suns' Joe Adoo-Peters watches his header beat the keeper.
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Aydin Payne
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Under pressure: Bears' Nick Allan is tackled in the air by United's Jayden Magro.
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Aydin Payne
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On its way: Shepparton Gators' Alex Whitlock.
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Aydin Payne
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Don't look back: Swans' Jerrah Caruso.
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Aydin Payne
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Winding up: Echuca's Remy Day gets a kick away in the NCWL grand final.
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Aydin Payne
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Flying through: Mooroopna's Asha Gray.
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Aydin Payne
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Power shot: Isabella Crossman during the 2023 Goulburn Valley Junior & Open Championships semi-final.
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Aydin Payne
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No look handball: Tatura's Will Pyke.
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Aydin Payne
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Welcome back home: Shepparton Swans senior captain Nathan Rachele and A-grade counterpart Chelsea McDonald in the lead up to the club's return to Princess Park following the 2022 floods.
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Aydin Payne
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Flying high: Euroa's Ryan Pendlebury.
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Aydin Payne
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Precision: Numurkah's John Brunner
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Aydin Payne
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Straight through: Cricket Shepparton and Mooroopna's Bella Woods knocks over the stumps as Zara Shinn-Mahoney watches on in Junior Country Week action.
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Aydin Payne
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On all fours: Shepparton East's Jedd Johnston.
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Aydin Payne
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Not out: SRP Mud Dogs' and Carlton talent Jai Lemire with a stumping attempt.
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Aydin Payne
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Represent: Tatura-Hill Top's Greg Toy represented Victoria at the Australian Para Nationals tournament in Perth.
Photo by
Aydin Payne
