THE team from Footy HQ – WA have been named as finalists in two categories of the WA Football Commission Media Awards.
Reporters Justin Rake, Andrew Elstermann, Tim Carrier, Jemillah Bickerton and photographer Ashley Pearce were named as co-finalists for the WA Country Football League Award.
The category recognises excellence in the coverage of country football competitions.
In 2015, Footy HQ – WA was the number one source for all things South West Football League.
The team produced a level of print and digital coverage never before seen in regional WA with regular match reports and photo galleries.
They went off-beat to produce weekly commentary segments, tipping and compiled a number of polls which allowed the readers to vote in a fantasy team of the year.
The reporters were not afraid to shy away from the tough issues facing football included Busselton Football Club's tough stance on drugs and the disappointing fan violence on grand final day.
There was also video highlights throughout the season and live coverage of major events including the Landmark Country Football Championships, the Hayward Medal night and the South West Football League grand final day.
Reporter Andrew Elstermann has also been named as a finalist in the WAFC Development Media Award.
The award recognises journalists raising awareness of the football community as well as development programs, issues or initiatives.
Mr Elstermann's nomination comes after his work covering the women's AFL football centenary in Bunbury in March.
He produced a number of stories in the lead up to the event highlighting the popularity of the game, efforts to create an exhibition of women's football memorabilia and a story on Busselton's Rachel Paterson who has started a female football competition in London.
The winners of the awards will be named at a presentation dinner at Domain Stadium on November 10.