Fleet-footed Freo footy player honoured with major community award

Scanlon, who was also recognised for her work as a surf instructor with child autism advocacy organisation Ocean Heroes, was presented with the award at an AFLW players event on Monday night.

It was the first time two Jim Stynes Community Leadership Awards have been presented in the same year to AFL and AFLW players.

Adelaide Crows Football Club ruckman Reilly O’Brien received the honour at the 2024 Brownlow Medal presentation in September for his advocacy of mental health support in South Australian schools.

The prestigious accolade is presented to the player who has best demonstrated the values of late Melbourne champion and former Demons’ president, Jim Stynes.

Judges said Scanlon had demonstrated significant community leadership through her involvement as a sporting mentor at Melaleuca Women’s Prison, where up to 95 per cent of the facility’s population has experienced physical and sexual assault.

Since her first visit in September 2023, the 21-year-old has attended the prison every four to six weeks to run football clinics as a sporting mentor, providing inmates the opportunity to connect in a positive way, remain active and experience team sport camaraderie.

Scanlon is also a regular volunteer surf instructor for Ocean Heroes, an organisation that provides the opportunity for children diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder to participate in organised sport in a safe and inclusive environment.

As winner of the Jim Stynes award, Scanlon will receive $40,000 to be donated to the charity or community program of her choice.

AFL CEO, Andrew Dillon congratulated Scanlon on her achievement and said she should feel very proud of the positive impact she’s having in the community.

“The visits Madi undertakes at Melaleuca Women’s Prison as a sporting mentor has seen her become a strong female role model for the participants, and she has inspired many to join a sporting team once they leave the facility to create a sense of belonging and aid wellbeing in their lives,” Dillon said.

He also paid tribute to her work as a volunteer surf instructor for Ocean Heroes helping children on the autism spectrum participate in organised sport in a safe and inclusive environment.

“We are lucky to have so many amazing people playing our game, and I would like to recognise and acknowledge all our finalists – Darcy [Vescio, Carlton], Chloe [Dalton, GWS Giants] and Bella [Eddey, North Melbourne Tasmanian Kangaroos] – for the commitment and passion they have dedicated to their charities and initiatives,” said Dillon.

Fremantle Football Club CEO Simon Garlick was also full of praise for his community minded half back player.

"Madi's unwavering dedication to creating meaningful change in our community is nothing short of inspiring," he said.

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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