The Sydney Swans extend its congratulations to Phil Hillyard after being awarded a Lifetime Achievement Award by the Australian Sports Commission for his services to sports journalism.
Hillyard was presented with the honour last night at a gala dinner at the SCG alongside his family and close friends and is the first photographer to receive the award.
A long-time friend of the Sydney Swans, Hillyard has worked with the club and in the wider AFL industry since 1991. He has taken some of the most iconic photos in Australian sports history with many of them including Sydney Swans players and the iconic SCG. He was on hand to capture Buddy 1000 and the countless finals won at the venue by Swans teams.
Hillyard joins the likes of Bruce McAvaney, Dennis Cometti, Les Murray and Caroline Wilson who have been awarded Lifetime Achievement Awards.
Hillyard’s career doesn’t just include AFL, with the photographer also having travelled with the Australian Cricket team since 1998. He has also covered five Olympic games across the globe.
Hillyard said he’s thrilled to have achieved the award.
“I’m extremely honoured to have received this award from the Australian Sports Commission, it means a lot to me and my family,” Hillyard said.
“Working in sports photography has been a passion of mine and I have been extremely lucky to have had a front row seat to some of the greatest moments in Australian sport.
“Buddy 1000 was the greatest moment I’ve seen unfold through my lens and getting to know him and being able to document his career has been a highlight in particular.”
Former Sydney Swans coach and long-time friend, John Longmire paid tribute to Hillyard’s work.
“Having worked alongside Phil for over a decade I have seen firsthand how professional and talented he is behind the lens,” Longmire said.
“His ability to tell a story through photography has been vital for our presence in the Sydney market and the wider AFL community across the county.
“I congratulate him and his family for receiving this much deserved honour.”
