Jim Stynes Award to honour the AFL’s most community-minded leader

Now in its 14^th year, and named after the late Melbourne ruckman, club president, and tireless charity and community leader, the Jim Stynes award celebrates players who give back and lead by example, on and off the field.

The award is judged by a panel of 11 AFL, media and community leaders and comes with a $40,000 prize to be donated to the charity or community program of the winner’s choice.

This year’s nominees are the Greater Western Sydney former captain Callan Ward, the Brisbane champion Harris Andrews, and the Western Bulldogs’ Tom Liberatore.

Since 2023, Ward has been prominent in driving the strategy and achievements of the GIANTS Foundation, supporting sick and dying children, and mental health causes. He has been involved in advocacy, media engagement and outreach, helping to raise an initial $3.3 million to unlock $20 million more in funding from the NSW Government as well as $13 million in philanthropic donations towards the building of Western Sydney’s first dedicated children’s hospice. It is due to open in 2027.

Andrews has dedicated himself to creating safer and more respectful communities, with a focus on empowering young people, particularly boys, to develop better emotional intelligence and reject violence. Andrews is an ambassador for Beyond DV, which supports women and children who have been victims of domestic violence, and he played a crucial role in launching Ask A Mate, a program that promotes respectful relationships and consent education. Andrews has also worked hard to teach values of respect and inclusion to young football players through grassroots education.

Liberatore has been active with the Western Bulldogs Community Foundation’s Social and Study Club, a weekly after-school program for students from African cultural backgrounds in Melbourne’s west. As well as offering academic support, mentoring and encouragement, he has contributed to the foundation’s Youth Early Intervention and Prevention Community of Practice, shaping strategy and youth engagement practices.

Liberatore has inspired other young Bulldogs players to participate in the foundation’s work, driving a strong culture of giving back among the team.

The award is one AFL players cherish, out of respect for Stynes and for past winners who have achieved so much for others.

AFL CEO Andrew Dillon said the league was proud to continue to honour Stynes’ legacy.

“Jim Stynes left a legacy that continues to inspire not just our players, but the broader football community. His belief in using football as a force for good continues on through this award,” Dillon said.

“Each of our 2025 finalists have gone above and beyond to lead with compassion, purpose and generosity, which are the values that are at the heart of this award and central to what we stand for as a game.”

Stynes migrated from Ireland to play AFL for the Demons and enjoyed a celebrated career in the ruck from 1987 to 1998. A Brownlow Medallist, he was named in the AFL Hall of Fame and in Melbourne’s “team of the century”. However, Stynes proved much more than a professional athlete, co-founding the Reach Foundation for struggling youth, and blossoming as a charity and community leader, as well as becoming Melbourne club president. Stynes was diagnosed with cancer in 2009 and died in March 2012. The Jim Stynes Foundation was created in 2015.

More information

The Jim Stynes Community Leadership Award winner will be announced during the 2025 Brownlow Medal telecast on Monday evening, September 22.

To learn more about the Jim Stynes Foundation, click here.