The AFL Players' Association is pleased to announce that Mike Sheahan, Chief Football Writer with Melbourne's Herald Sun is the winner of the 2008 Grant Hattam Trophy for excellence in football journalism.

Mike was presented with his award by AFLPA Vice-President Brett Burton at the AFLPA Most Valuable Player Awards, held on Monday September 8 for his piece on Adelaide Crow Simon Goodwin.

Since 1999, the AFL Players' Association has recognised excellence in football journalism by awarding the Grant Hattam Trophy to the creator of the best piece of football journalism from the players' perspective.

Named in honour of the late Grant Hattam, promient media and sports lawyer with Corrs Chambers Westgarth, the award winner will be announced at the AFL Players' Association's Most Valuable Player Awards night, Monday 8th September.

All forms of media from around Australia were eligible for this award.

To view a copy of Mike Sheahan's story, please click on the link below:

http://www.news.com.au/heraldsun/story/0,21985,23260988-11088,00.html

Former winners of the Grant Hattam Trophy include;

1999 Caroline Wilson - The Age
2000 Mark Robinson - Herald Sun
2001 Jake Niall - The Age
2002 Mark Robinson - Herald Sun
2003 Michael Gleeson - Herald Sun
2004 Michael Davis - The Australian
2005 Jon Ralph - Sunday Herald Sun
2006 Jason Bennett - Fox Footy
2007 Sam Lane - Sunday Age