The AFL has announced the five finalists for the 2024 Jim Stynes Award.
Reilly O'Brien (Adelaide Crows), Jarrod Berry (Brisbane Lions), Bailey Banfield (Fremantle), Thomas Berry (Gold Coast SUNS) and Harry Cunningham (Sydney Swans) are in contention to receive the prestigious award that is now in its 13th year.
The award is dedicated to Melbourne legend Jim Stynes, who sadly lost his life in 2012.
The Demons champion was a two-time All-Australian, 1991 Brownlow medallist and four-time Keith 'Bluey' Truscott medallist (1991, 1995, 1996, 1997) while his incredible durability sees him hold the record for the most consecutive games with 244.
Stynes' contribution on-field was equally as significant off it, being named the Victorian of the Year (2001, 2003) and was rewarded for his work with the Medal Of the Order Of Australia in 2007.
Despite being diagnosed with cancer in 2009, Stynes continued his work with the Reach Foundation and was recognised the following year as the Melburnian of the Year.
AFL chief executive Andrew Dillon said that the AFL is always proud to honour the late Stynes through this award.
โOne of the things I love most about our game is the impact that it has beyond the football field. We are incredibly proud of the work our players do in the community to raise awareness for worthy causes and positively impact the lives of so many people,โ Dillon said.
โOur nominees have all displayed great compassion, leadership and commitment in their volunteer work, all values that are at the core of this award. We are so lucky to have them as role models within the footy world and the wider community, and acknowledge the contribution they've made over years.โ
Here's a summary of what the finalists are dedicating their time to, per the AFL's release:
"Reilly O'Brien is a passionate and dedicated advocate for mental health support in South Australian schools.
"Jarrod Berry (was just 15 years old) and Thomas Berry (13) lost their mother Jedda to breast cancer in 2013 and have made it their mission over the past decade to honour her legacy and share the lessons and values that she instilled in her children before she passed.
"Bailey Banfield is dedicated to brightening the lives of children and young people through ambassador roles at the Starlight Children's Foundation, Purple Hands Foundation and Millstar Foundation.
"Harry Cunningham has been a strong supporter and ambassador of the Sydney Swans' charity partner Redkite for over a decade. During this time the veteran defender has been the face of Sydney's Redkite Day, made regular ward visits, has supported Redkite's music therapy program and helped campaign for numerous fundraising activities to help families facing childhood cancer."
The award will be presented on Monday, September 23, the same evening as the Brownlow Medal count.
The winner will receive $40,000 to be donated to the charity or community program of their choice.
Jim Stynes Community Leadership Award past winners
2023 - Sam Docherty (Carlton)
2022 - Joel Selwood (Geelong)
2021 - Travis Boak (Port Adelaide)
2020 - Bachar Houli (Richmond)
2019 - Stephen Coniglio (GWS)
2018 - Neville Jetta (Melbourne)
2017 - Jack Hombsch (Port Adelaide)
2016 - Jimmy Bartel (Geelong)
2015 - Dennis Armfield (Carlton)
2014 - Beau Waters (West Coast)
2013 - Zac Smith (Gold Coast)
2012 - Daniel Jackson (Richmond)
