AFL MEDIA'S gun photographer Michael Willson has teamed up with Tayla Harris to complete a rare trifecta, winning the professional category for the 2021 Women in Sport Photo Action Awards for the third year running.
The image, titled The Leaning Tower Of Tayla, captures Harris taking a towering mark in the Carlton-Western Bulldogs match at VU Whitten Oval during 2021 AFLW season. This follows the previous winning images of Harris, The Kick in 2019, and From the Kick to the Punch in 2020 (check it out below), both captured by Willson.
The photo was praised by WISPAA judges Senator Richard Colbeck, Minister for Sport, award-winning journalist and author Samantha Lane, Director of Editorial for Getty Images Asia Pacific, Cassie Trotter; and News Corp Head of Sports Partnerships, Selina Steele.
"The strength of this image is in its unique composition. It is akin to a renaissance painting with the athletes' arms intertwined, reaching towards the peak of the frame, drawing us into Tayla Harris showcasing her athleticism and power and highlighting a rare moment with so many athletes contesting the ball," said Ms Trotter.
"The choice to submit the image black and white adds to the drama and feeling we're witnessing a historic moment in the heat of battle. The player's eyes closed as they collide adds to the impact of the photograph."
WISPAA is a product of Women Sport Australia (WSA), the peak national advocacy body for women in sport.
