Michael Willson's lens on the AFL
Michael Willson, Chief Photographer at the Australian Football League (AFL), has documented some of the most iconic moments of game.
An eye for AFL
Michael Willson has a unique perspective that can only come from an intimate knowledge and love for photography and Australian Football.
VFL 2014 Rd 09 - Northern Blues v Sandringham (2014-07-06) by Michael WillsonAustralian Football League
Since 2005 he has earned the respect and trust of players and clubs alike, creatively photographing all the action, defining moments and the raw emotion in and around the field of play.
AFL 2017 Round 03 - Carlton v Essendon (2017-09-04) by Michael WillsonAustralian Football League
AFL 2018 First Preliminary Final - Richmond v Collingwood (2018-09-21) by Michael WillsonAustralian Football League
The unrivalled access he has to areas behind the scenes ensures he often captures the moments that would otherwise be unseen.
AFL 2015 Rd 06 - Collingwood v Geelong (2015-08-05) by Michael WillsonAustralian Football League
Like this compelling image of Geelong’s Mitch Clark, during a time when Mitch was struggling considerably with his mental health. In the touching photo, he’s being consoled by his coach Brad Scott in the changerooms of the Melbourne Cricket Ground.
AFLW 2019 Round 07 - Western Bulldogs v Carlton (2019-03-17) by Michael WillsonAustralian Football League
Willson’s superb action shot of Tayla Harris from Carlton at the height of her kicking action went viral after being targeted by online trolls. The way in which the general public rallied together to stand up to the trolls and celebrate the image will become a defining moment in the history of the sport.
The image rightly took out the top prize at the inaugural Women in Sport Photo Action awards and is a photo that transcends being just a brilliant snap of an athlete in her prime.
The official selects
Michael has selected some of his favourite images in this collection. It is evident to see why his photographs continue to inspire and enlighten all lovers of the game.
AFL 2016 Rd 08 - Melbourne v Western Bulldogs (2016-05-15) by Michael WillsonAustralian Football League
AFL 2015 Rd 10 - Melbourne v Collingwood (2015-08-06) by Michael WillsonAustralian Football League
AFL 2016 Rd 08 - Melbourne v Western Bulldogs (2016-05-15) by Michael WillsonAustralian Football League
AFL 2018 Round 10 - Melbourne v Adelaide (2018-05-27) by Michael WillsonAustralian Football League
AFL 2017 Round 08 - Gold Coast v Port Adelaide (2017-05-14) by Michael WillsonAustralian Football League
AFL 2015 Rd 03 - Geelong v Gold Coast (2015-04-19) by Michael WillsonAustralian Football League
AFL 2015 Rd 03 - Geelong v Gold Coast (2015-04-19) by Michael WillsonAustralian Football League
AFL 2017 Round 10 - Geelong v Port Adelaide (2017-05-25) by Michael WillsonAustralian Football League
AFL 2017 Round 03 - Richmond v West Coast (2017-08-04) by Michael WillsonAustralian Football League
AFL 2018 Round 07 - St Kilda v Melbourne (2018-06-05) by Michael WillsonAustralian Football League
AFL 2016 Rd 11 - North Melbourne v Richmond (2016-03-06) by Michael WillsonAustralian Football League
AFL 2018 Round 06 - Hawthorn v St Kilda (2018-04-28) by Michael WillsonAustralian Football League
AFL 2015 Rd 11 - Gold Coast v Fremantle (2015-06-13) by Michael WillsonAustralian Football League
AFL 2015 Rd 11 - St Kilda v Melbourne (2015-06-14) by Michael WillsonAustralian Football League
Lance Franklin, AFL 2017 Round 05 - Sydney v GWS Giants (2017-04-22) by Michael WillsonAustralian Football League
AFL 2017 Round 09 - St Kilda v Sydney (2017-05-20) by Michael WillsonAustralian Football League
AFL 2019 Training - Tigers on the Gold Coast (2019-01-21) by Michael WillsonAustralian Football League
AFL 2016 Rd 03 - Port Adelaide v Essendon (2016-08-04) by Michael WillsonAustralian Football League
AFL 2018 Round 06 - Collingwood v Richmond (2018-04-29) by Michael WillsonAustralian Football League
AFL 2017 Round 02 - Melbourne v Carlton (2017-02-04) by Michael WillsonAustralian Football League
AFL 2019 Round 01 - Carlton v Richmond (2019-03-21) by Michael WillsonAustralian Football League
AFL 2017 Round 05 - Hawthorn v West Coast (2017-04-23) by Michael WillsonAustralian Football League
AFL 2015 Rd 05 - Carlton v Collingwood (2015-01-05) by Michael WillsonAustralian Football League
AFL 2018 Round 05 - Carlton v West Coast (2018-04-21) by Michael WillsonAustralian Football League
