AFL Media Awards: Michael Klein awarded life membership of the AFL Media Association

After 35 years of service to the industry, Michael Klein has been awarded life membership of the AFL Media Association. Plus a number of Herald Sun sports staff were recognised on the night.

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September 19, 2023 - 9:52PM

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News Corp photographer Michael Klein was on Tuesday night lauded with life membership of the AFL Media Association after more than 35 years of service to the industry.

Klein began with News Corp on February 6, 1986 and has worked with the company since that day, reaching his 37-year milestone earlier this year.

Having started in the company’s messenger department on Flinders Street, Klein has worked across a range of departments before turning his hand to photography in the early 1990s and rising to be one of the top sports photographers in the country.

The upcoming AFL grand final will mark Klein’s 27th-straight premiership decider – including a draw in 2010 – on the boundary which he on Tuesday night described as the “best seat in the house”.

Michael Klein has been lauded with life membership of the AFL Media Association. Picture: Mark Stewart

Klein, who thanked his family for their endless support given his long hours and late nights at sporting events including last year’s Commonwealth Games in Birmingham, is a multiple award winner and was celebrated at the AFL Media Awards at Metropolis on Southbank.

“There have been so many amazing people who have helped me no end over the journey many who have and a still lifelong friends,” Klein said.

“The AFL world has been a privilege to work in. To all of the photographers I’ve shared the boundary line with over the years, thank you.”