Community-focused footballer kicking goals for student mental health

Crows ruckman Reilly O’Brien has been named the 2024 Jim Stynes Community Leadership Award winner for his advocacy of mental health support in South Australian schools.

The 29-year-old has been an ambassador and lead facilitator for the Open Parachute mental health program since its inception in 2022.

The organisation has grown by more than 200 per cent in the past two years, helping more than 28,000 students in 40 schools.

O’Brien, who accepted his award at Monday night’s AFL Brownlow Medal count, was praised for having a profound effect on students by openly discussing his own mental health challenges.

His bravery has served as a powerful tool to break down stigma surrounding mental health and encourage open and difficult conversations.

"For me, life's all about growth and service," said O'Brien after accepting his award.

"Growth, to be the best and most well-rounded person I can be and service to others and service to my community.

"I just feel so lucky to be an AFL player, to have some standing and have some influence and to be able to do things like the Open Parachute program and give back."

O’Brien’s role as a prominent speaker at schools has been instrumental in encouraging other volunteers to step up, while also inspiring teachers and principals to advocate for the program, leading to a greater uptake of the curriculum in schools.

He is also involved with other social welfare initiatives such as Bedford, Australia’s second largest employer of people with a disability.

As winner of the Jim Stynes Community Leadership Award, O’Brien will receive $40,000 to be donated to the charity or community program of his choice.

AFL CEO Andrew Dillon congratulated O’Brien on his outstanding community work and achievement.

“Reilly is highly deserving of this prestigious accolade and should be very proud of the enormous impact he is having on school students across South Australia with the work he does for the Open Parachute Mental Health Program,” said Mr Dillon.

He said with an estimated two in five Australians having experienced a mental health challenge in their lifetime, early education and encouraging open conversations were vitally important.

“For Reilly to draw upon his own experiences to help others and connect with young people reflects his character and embodies the work of the late Jim Stynes,” said Mr Dillon.

Jim Stynes Foundation chair Russel Howcroft said O’Brien’s openness in sharing his own experiences was a testament to his character and his passion for breaking down the stigma surrounding mental health.

“I know Jim would have been incredibly proud of the profound impact Reilly and all finalists have had on the community this year.”

Adelaide Crows CEO Tim Silvers said O’Brien’s efforts to promote better mental health had also resonated with his teammates.

“His courage in sharing his own experiences has had a big impact on thousands of school students across the state, as well as some of his teammates, who now feel comfortable and confident to have their own conversations about mental health, which is very powerful.”

Mr Dillon also praised the Jim Stynes Community Leadership Award finalists, Bailey Banfield (Fremantle), Harry Cunningham (Sydney) and brothers Tom Berry (Gold Coast) and Jarrod Berry (Brisbane), who were commended for their significant contribution to the community and their nominated charities.

“Footy is more than a game and we’re lucky to have so many incredible footballers who make a positive difference in the community and lives of others,” he said.

Past winners of the award include Carlton’s Sam Docherty, Geelong champion Joel Selwood, and legendary Richmond defender Bachar Houli.

The Jim Stynes Foundation continues the work of the late legendary Melbourne Football Club player Jim Stynes, who passionately believed in nurturing the leadership qualities of young Australians and empowering them to become agents of change in their communities.

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