9News has celebrated major wins at the AFL Media Awards, with several of its team members being recognised for excellence in sports journalism.
Xander McGuire took home the prestigious Clinton Grybas Award for Best Emerging Talent at the ceremony in Melbourne last night, while industry veteran Tom Morris, cemented his reputation with two major awards.
“It’s a huge honour to be given the Clinton Grybas Award,” McGuire said.
“I was only five years old when Clinton passed, but his legacy as a fantastic media performer and, as is mentioned in my family, a great Collingwood man, makes this all the more special.”
McGuire thanked the 9News team and his parents, for fostering his love of footy and journalism.
McGuire’s award-winning work included an exclusive investigation into the AFL’s probe into the behaviour of North Melbourne’s Tarryn Thomas.
His feature story on Carlton’s Matthew Kennedy, and a profile on delisted Western Bulldogs rookie Dominic Bedendo were both praised as well.
Tom Morris took home the awards for Best News or Feature Reporting, and Best Online News or Feature Reporting.
Morris was recognised for his in-depth stories, including exclusive reporting on Christian Petracca’s brutal injury and his disillusionment with the Melbourne Football Club’s direction.
Morris was also awarded for breaking the news on the 18-week suspension of North Melbourne’s Tarryn Thomas and his secret meeting with St Kilda, and exposing Kangaroos coach Alastair Clarkson’s verbal tirade towards St Kilda players during a pre-season match.
He also secured an exclusive story on Tom Barrass’ potential departure from the West Coast Eagles.
“These awards are a testament to the incredible team I work with every day. The trust and freedom I’ve been given to pursue stories that matter are why I’m able to dig deep into the AFL world,” Morris said.
“It’s fantastic to see Xander and Tom recognised for their outstanding contributions to AFL journalism,” Hugh Nailon, Director of 9News Melbourne said.
“Xander’s remarkable rise is the result of his hard work, and willingness to learn and develop his craft, while Tom continues to set the benchmark for news breaking and in-depth reporting.
“These awards highlight the strength of our newsroom and the quality of our team’s work. Congratulations to both, and to everyone at 9News who helps make this possible.”
