AFL Media Awards: Herald Sun sports staff earn enormous accolades

A number of Herald Sun sports staff have been recognised at the AFL Media Awards on Monday night, including Michael Klein for his magnificent shot of Jamie Elliott’s specky.

Michael Klein was recognised for his photography of Jamie Elliott’s spectacular mark.

The Herald Sun earned enormous accolades for a strong season in the Australian Football Media Awards at Marvel Stadium last night.

Jay Clark won the award for best feature reporting in print and online, while Glenn McFarlane earned a commendation in the same category.

Judges praised Clark for his feature reporting that “took readers behind the headlines – adding depth and detail to some of footy’s biggest stories”.

“His exclusive interview with Chris Fagan highlighted the personal toll the Hawthorn racism investigation had on the Brisbane coach. He took us behind the scenes of the messy machinations of the coaching handover between Hawks coaching icon Alastair Clarkson and favourite son Sam Mitchell, as well as speaking with Brayden Maynard amid the fallout of his bump that would lead to the retirement of Angus Brayshaw,” the judges’ statement read.

Jay Clark (C). Picture: Michael Klein

Dustin Martin leaves the MCG in round 24. Picture: Michael Klein

Jamie Elliott takes a specky. Picture: Michael Klein

Michael Klein swept the pool in the two photography categories – the best action shot for his picture of Jamie Elliott’s Anzac Day hanger, and best news and feature photo for his image of a teary Dustin Martin following a lap of honour in round 24.

Eliza Reilly won best AFLW reporter for her work on CODE Sports, while Lauren Wood won the best AFLW program or feature category.

Reilly was praised by the judges for producing two strong stories - first was that the AFLW’s most visible former player and pioneer, Daisy Pearce, was in the sights of West Coast for the vacant AFLW senior coaching position; second, that Michael Prior was exiting as Eagles AFLW coach.

Eliza Reilly. Picture: Glenn Hampson

Lauren Wood. Picture: David Geraghty

Wood’s feature on Meg McDonald, which took inspiration from the passing of her father Gordon, thoroughly impressed the judges who said the piece “gave great insight into the impact of the loss on her, the bonds of family, as well as those of the football community”.

Wood A standout piece her feature on Meg McDonald taking inspiration from the passing of her father Gordon, which gave great insight into the impact of the loss on her, the bonds of family, as well as those of the football community.

The Herald Sun received several commendations, including Michael Warner (best news reporting), Mark Robinson (opinion and analysis) and Ed Bourke in the Clinton Grybas emerging talent award.

Sam Landsberger received recognition at the awards night.

The late Sam Landsberger was commended for his news and features on Fox Footy and the Herald Sun website.

Robinson and Gerard Whateley won best footy show with Fox Footy’s AFL360.

Fox Footy’s Anthony Hudson was named best TV match caller, and Whateley was named best radio match caller.

Fox Footy’s Sarah Jones was made an AFMA life member, along with Craig Hutchison.