A new photographic book by Australian photographer Cory White, titled Footy Country, celebrates the pivotal role local football plays in connecting communities across the nation. The work serves as a powerful visual toast to the people and places that form the heartland of Australian rules football.
White’s journey took him to the far-flung corners of the country, from the mining towns of Kalgoorlie to the tropical humidity of Cairns, and from the Top End in Darwin to the historic mining community of Queenstown in Tasmania. Through his lens, he documents the very fabric of grassroots footy.
It's interesting to note that although Australia is a huge landmass, 85% of the population lives in cities. And this is what's so great about this book – it reveals Australian life beyond the cities.
These evocative portraits and moments capture more than just the on-field competition; they chronicle the entire ecosystem of a local clubs. The collection features striking images of the players, the dedicated support crews, the fervent fans, and the unique humour and camaraderie that bind these communities together.
Footy Country is being hailed as a profound portrait of the sport at its most fundamental level. It explores the emotion, and the deep connections forged in the shared experience of a local game, highlighting how football often serves as the social backbone for regional and remote Australia.
This large (32.5 x 23 cm) hardcover photobook is published by Hardie Grant Books.
It has a page count of 300 pages and weighs in at 2.25kg.
It is currently retailing at: AU$65, NZ$75.
You can see Cory's other work on his website.
