AFL's heart and soul captured in new Benalla exhibition

By Adam Miller

Aug 22, 2024

Michael Wilson exhibit titled ‘Beyond the Boundary’ will showcase photos such as this award winning one he took of AFLW star Tayla Harris. Photo by Michael Willson

Benalla Art Gallery will this week launch a new photographic exhibition by the AFL’s Chief Photographer, Michael Willson.

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Titled Beyond the Boundary, the exhibition captures the action, the heartache and the emotion both on and off the field of the AFL.

Michael Wilson has taken photos for the AFL since 2005. Photo by Michael Willson

Mr Willson won multiple awards, such as the Melbourne Press Club Gold Quill, Sport Australia Best Sports Photograph and the inaugural Women in Sport Photo Action Awards.

Mitch Clark of the Geelong Cats is consoled by Chris Scott, senior coach of the Cats on May 08, 2015. Photo by Michael Willson

He has won multiple Australian Football Media Association Awards, and is also a Ted’s Master.

A Michael Willson picture depicting Bailey Smith of the Western Bulldogs b eing tackled by Jeremy Howe of the Collingwood Magpies on March 21, 2021 in Melbourne, Australia. Photo by Michael Willson

Michael Willson said he was excited by the opportunity to present some of his seminal shots within a distinguished public Gallery.

“Football is the lifeblood of many Regional Victorian communities, Benalla is certainly no exception, and I know this exhibition will resonate deeply with locals and beyond,” Mr WIllson said.

Benalla Art Gallery Director Eric Nash said he was looking forward to welcoming the public to the exhibition.

“I’m excited to be able to host this incredible exhibition of photography by Michael Willson, I anticipate the show will be extremely popular among the Benalla community.

Beyond the Boundary will be presented at Benalla Art Gallery until October 13.