On World Photography Day, we celebrate Joseph Mayer’s contribution and capture of unique moments in Westfield Matildas history in his 13 years behind the lens.
Joseph Mayers has been photographing the Westfield Matildas since 2007 and his photographs have allowed fans to witness key moments of the team and the work undertaken behind the scenes.
Mayers became involved with women’s football in 2000, attending games to support his friends Rhian Davies, Thea Slayter, Sarah Walsh and Heather Garriock.
As they began to make the national team, Mayers noticed that the women’s matches received limited media coverage.
“I started photographing the Matildas because nobody else was doing it,” Mayers said.
“I remember asking the media manager at the time Peter Smith, why there was no coverage and he said the papers would only run photos if they were supplied
“I told Peter, since I was basically at all the games, why don't I take photos. That was late 2006, by September 2007 I was at my first World Cup In China.”
Since 2007, Mayers has been in attendance at almost all major tournaments – FIFA Women’s World Cups, AFC Women’s Asian Cups, Olympic Qualifiers - involving the Westfield Matildas.
For many players, Mayers has been a fixture around the team that has documented many special moments in their careers.
“Joseph has been snapping pictures of the Matildas since the beginning of my career,” said Tameka Yallop.
Whenever I see Joseph around the team it’s so heart-warming to know he’s been there looking down the lens and experiencing the journey of the Matildas for even longer than I have.”
The decision to photograph the Westfield Matildas sparked a love and continuing love for photography and sport.
Despite now working as a successful international freelance photographer, Mayers will always capture the team that sparked his love for football and photography.
“I became a professional photographer through my involvement and support of the Matildas, and they will always have a place close to my heart.”
Joseph Mayers’ 10 Memorable Photos
Four of my closest friends; Thea Slatyer, Alicia Fergusion, Rhian Davies and Danielle Small.
Sally Shipard and the great man himself Peter Smith, who gave me my first media pass.
I love this photo. The look of determination on Caitlin Munoz's face and the concerned looks of everyone on the bench.
Whenever I look at the photo it makes me laugh. This is basically what happened every time somebody tried to take Thea Slatyer on, they would often pick themselves up of the ground and then glare back at her.
Butter wouldn't melt in their mouths. At 16 and 17 years old, Caitlin Foord and Emily van Egmond were two of the youngest players of the squad back in 2011. It has been a pleasure to watch these two grow up into world class players and lovely human beings.
"Ok, on the count of three, look here.........look here.......look here......ok then don't!" Team photos are always great to shoot but they also take time to get set up and ready.
Another photo that makes me laugh. The girls had be waiting 2 hrs for Snoop Doog to come back for a photo like he promised. He came back down and his security tried to rush him out the door, but there was no way he was getting past Heather Garriock! She stood her ground and said "Snoop Dogg is not leaving until we get our photo" .... and they got their photo.
Black Fellas pop up everywhere! Can you see the Aboriginal Flag?????
My favourite moment from the World Cup in Canada, Kyah Simon scores.
A wonderful moment which bought a tear to my eye. A sold out Penrith Stadium to watch The Matildas take on Brazil. It was the first time that the Matildas had sold out a stadium on home soil.