FIRST PLACE

Yorke Peninsula Country Times (Patrick Goldsmith)

It’s never an easy task interviewing someone about the loss of a loved one however, this poignant story suggests the reporter well and truly had the trust of the late Jamie Tape’s parents. It is very well written and takes the reader on a journey with the right mix of paraphrased and background information, coupled with emotive quotes. References to newspaper headlines from the time of Jamie’s passing and detailed accounts of visits from football coaches to the family home are among the many carefully thought through inclusions, which add feeling and context to the storytelling. Quality journalism.

SECOND PLACE

Eyre Peninsula Advocate (James Jacobi)

This is a feelgood story of a foreign surfer turned Aussie Rules footballer who enjoys the ultimate team success. As the story quite rightly states ‘it’s the most unlikely of footy yarns’. The opening paragraphs nicely set up the journey of American Griffin Kammerer before entertaining quotes add colour and ensure the reader is swept along from start to finish. It was nice to read an uplifting football story which also presented a different perspective on the game. A very good read!

THIRD PLACE

Fleurieu Sun (Michael Simmons)

‘Gibbs Name Back At Victor’ was one of the Fleurieu Sun’s most viewed online stories which reinforces the value of genuine exclusive and breaking news – something that is increasingly hard to deliver in today’s cluttered media landscape. It’s even better when other media outlets feel compelled to ‘follow’ the story, which covered all the angles. Having input from Bryce Gibbs’s father Ross was a nice and very relevant touch, and added a sentimental touch.