The SFNL's breakout year on the media front received due recognition on Friday, claiming three AFL Victoria Community Media Awards from its six shortlisted nominations.
Held at a luncheon at Ikon Park, the haul was by far the most of any of the metropolitan football leagues, and represented each of the SFNL's major media platforms in social media, radio and print.
After going gangbusters on Facebook throughout the year, The Awkward Bounce video series earned the SFNL the
Best Use of Online Media - Technology award. The innovative new show, which was one of the biggest hits to come out of the League's inaugural Media Day back in March, edged out seven other competitors to claim the award, including established media outlets in Leader, The Border Mail and Bendigo Advertiser.
WATCH: Relive the best of The Awkward Bounce in the player below.
In addition, The 5th Quarter radio program earned recognition as the
Best Radio Football Show for the second year running, which is a tremendous achievement for Executive Producer Robert Sharpe and his team.
LISTEN: Recap highlights of The 5th Quarter here.
Media Officer Will Hunter also claimed the award for
Best Football Column - Record for his Division 1 editorial, Front & Centre.
READ: Will Hunter's 2016 Division 1 Grand Final Preview.
The SFNL Match of the Day broadcast (Best Match Day Radio Coverage), SFNL TV (Best Use of Online Media - TV Show) and Hunter's
beyondblue Round feature story on former Dingley premiership star Daniel Bolger (Best Print/Online Feature Story) were also among the shortlisted candidates.
SFNL CEO David Cannizzo was unequivocal in his praise of the SFNL Media team.
"The recognition by AFL Victoria of the SFNL media initiatives, and importantly the wonderful work by the media team, is a fantastic endorsement," Mr Cannizzo said.
"The SFNL have been very focussed, not only on promoting our clubs, but engaging our players, officials and fans.
"I am extremely proud to say our media team have done a sensational job of engagement through highly enjoyable media products and we congratulate them on a brilliant job."
The SFNL has previously won awards for Best Match Day Radio Coverage in 2014 and Best Radio Football Show in 2015.
On behalf of the SFNL, massive congratulations to the entire media team for their outstanding efforts in 2016!
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(L-R) Robert Sharpe, Will Hunter and Ian Dougherty are all smiles after cleaning up at the AFL Victoria Community Media Awards on Friday.[/caption]
