The GIANTS would like to congratulate legendary sports photographer Phil Hillyard on receiving the Australian Sports Commission’s Lifetime Achievement Award. 

Awarded since 2002, the prestigious honour is awarded for exceptional service to sports journalism over an extended period. 

One of Australian sport’s most highly respected photographers in a career spanning more than 30 years and counting, Hillyard is the very first photographer to receive the Australian Sports Commission’s Lifetime Achievement Award. 

Covering a range of sports throughout his decorated career to date, Hillyard has been an incredible ally of the GIANTS since the club’s inception where he has played a pivotal role in capturing and highlighting many of the GIANTS’ most historical moments. 

Awarded the honour on Monday night, the special recognition is given by the Australian Sports Commission Board and is presented to an individual who has made a lengthy, significant, and influential contribution to the reporting of Australian sport. 

GIANTS Chief Executive Officer, David Matthews, said Hillyard thoroughly deserved the honour.   

“This award is a fitting recognition of an extraordinary career spanning more than three decades,” Matthews said.  

“Phil’s work has not only documented Australian sport at the highest level but has elevated the way those moments are remembered. 

“Phil has been there from day one for the GIANTS. Many of the most defining moments in our club’s history have been captured through his lens, and those images have helped shape how our story has been told. 

“To become the first photographer to receive this award speaks volumes about the respect he commands across the industry. It’s a remarkable honour and one that is richly deserved. 

“On behalf of everyone at the GIANTS, we congratulate Phil on this prestigious recognition and thank him for the role he continues to play in helping tell our story.”  

Previous Winners of the Australian Sports Commission’s Lifetime Achievement Award. 

2024  

  Margie McDonald  

2012  

  Peter Wilkins   

2023  

  Ray Warren OAM  

2011  

  Roy Masters   

2022  

  Tracy Holmes  

2010  

  Caroline Wilson   

2021  

  Mike Sheahan  

2009  

  Les Murray   

2020  

  Jim Maxwell   

2008  

  Bruce McAvaney   

2019  

  Karen Tighe   

2007  

  Mike Gibson   

2018  

  Dennis Cometti   

2006  

  Ian Heads   

2017  

  Debbie Spillane    

2005  

  Alan Trengrove   

2016  

  Rebecca Wilson (posthumously)  

2004  

  Johnny Warren   

2015  

  Mike Coward   

2003  

  Norman May   

2014  

  Ken Sutcliffe   

2002  

  Harry Gordon   

2013  

  Ron Reed