Sunday saw Sydney FC’s stranglehold on the Liberty A-League Premiers’ Plate race loosen as Melbourne City clawed to two points behind with a game in hand. There was a finals feel to the occasion, which we captured from every angle thanks to sports photographer Rachel Bach. This is her diary of the clash between 1 v 2, and how she captured the emotions we don’t always get to see.
It’s been a big week in the Liberty A-League, and the match between City and Sydney was crucial in the race towards the premiership.
With so much on the line, I was both excited and nervous to capture the top of the table clash.
Arriving early is key for me. I never want to feel rushed going into a shoot. By the time I’ve finished preparing my gear, there’s half an hour until warm up begins. I use my spare time to climb up to the top of the stadium, where I can see Melbourne’s skyline in the background. I give myself a moment to take it all in.
MATCH REPORT: Premiership race back on after 2-1 City win
Back on ground level, I wait by the tunnel for the players to appear. It’s in these moments that I try to get a sense of how the players are feeling prior to the match. A mixture of light-heartedness and seriousness emerges from the shadows.
The warm up doesn’t only help players get ready for kick off, it also helps photographers.
I pay close attention to how the players move – anything that might help me during the match. Being Melbourne based, I’ve had more time to familiarise myself with City, so I spend some extra time watching Sydney warm up.
I fire off some frames as Jada Whyman flies through the air – she’s been in stellar form, and today will be another challenge for the young keeper. Once I’m comfortable with the action shots I’ve captured, I start to look for details that will help tell the story of the match.
Once warm up is done, I head to the halfway line. It’s an overcast day, so the light falling on the pitch is fairly even. On a sunny afternoon at AAMI Park, you’re faced with half a pitch in shade and half in sun – a tricky task for photographers. Fortunately I don’t need to worry about that for this match.
The match is tense from the start. One of the first things I notice is the pressure on the ball.
There’s a real sense of urgency. I try to ensure the photos I’m capturing reflect this.
One of the challenges in sports photography is trying to anticipate what will happen next.
You have no control over what will happen, but you have to decide what to focus on. I know I won’t capture everything, but being ready when the action comes my way is key. In the 13th minute, Rhianna Pollicina puts City into the lead. Capturing goal celebrations is thrilling, and I watch closely as her teammates rush over to celebrate. Just when it seems like the celebrations are over – the players are heading back to restart – Pollicina turns around. She waits for close friend Holly McNamara to catch up, and the two share a hug.
Sometimes the little moments are the most meaningful.
As the match continues, I’m focused not only on where the ball is, but what’s around me.
There’s always something interesting to capture, but you have to look around to find it.
I search for people in the crowd – I’ve noticed the woman with streamers. She stands for most of the match, offering her support. During a drinks break, I notice Melissa Barbieri providing teammate Kaitlyn Torpey with some treatment – an unusual sight.
City extends their lead just before half-time, and I start to think about how the rest of the match will play out. I won’t change my approach or position – it’s a close game, and I’m eager to capture Sydney’s second-half response in attack. As players return to the pitch, Sydney makes one change. On comes young defender Jessika Nash.
The intensity lifts in the second half. Desperation exudes from both sides, as Sydney fights to get back in the game. I try to reflect the chaotic and crowded scenes in my imagery.
The tackles come thick and fast, players are on the ground, and there are stern words from the referee. With so much happening, it’s important that I don’t get overwhelmed. I remind myself that I can’t capture everything, and to focus on what stands out to me.
Whilst Sydney manage to halve City’s lead, they can’t find an equaliser. I wait for the final whistle, camera aimed at the players close to me. In a game where so much was on the line, I know that the players’ reactions will make for powerful images. I want to capture images that make you understand how the players are feeling – win or lose.
As the players leave the field, I position myself near the City bench to capture more of the reaction.
The mood is mixed – understandably. They’ve just beaten the ladder leaders, but star attacker Holly McNamara went down with what looked to be a serious injury in the second half. Rhianna Pollicina heads straight towards Holly.
The hug they share in this moment is vastly different to the one they shared in the first half, but it shows how strong their bond is.
After the team’s huddle, the players walk towards the sideline. Families, friends and fans are waiting to congratulate them.
Teammate Rebekah Stott – in America on international duty – is
on FaceTime, too. These interactions are some of the moments I love capturing most. In the process of photographing them, I’m able to show people the impact this game has on these athletes. It’s about so much more than just football. That’s one of the most rewarding things about being a sports photographer.
