Winner: Michael Gleeson, The Age

Judges’ Citation:

Michael’s exceptional coverage of the rise and rise of Gout Gout was the best in the country. As Nine Publishing’s senior athletics reporter, Michael followed the Queensland sprinter from Stawell to Tokyo, taking readers along for the ride - with outstanding features, analysis and an exclusive interview. Judges were also impressed by Michael’s peerless columns on AFL, including a prescient piece on Melbourne coach Simon Goodwin and criticism of the AFL for its indulgence of Bailey Smith and hypocrisy behind hiring Snoop Dogg for Grand Final entertainment.

Michael's acceptance speech:

Highly Commended

Mitch Cleary, 7NEWS

Jon Ralph, Herald Sun

Shortlisted

Jake Niall, The Age

This award carries an $8,000 prize, courtesy of Champion Data.