Our Ambition

Community Leadership Award

Jim Stynes Community Leadership Award

A joint venture of Telstra and the Jim Stynes Foundation, the Jim Stynes Community Leadership Award recognises current AFL and AFLW players who demonstrate a commitment to the community and helping others. It is an enduring tribute to Jim and the legacy he leaves of encouraging sporting greats to contribute to their communities and the people around them.

Presented annually at the Brownlow Medal ceremony, the winner receives $40,000 from Telstra and JSF to be donated to the charity or community program of their choosing.

2024 AFLW - Madi Scanlon

Fremantle Football Club

Fremantle’s Madi Scanlon has claimed the 2024 Jim Stynes Community Leadership Award for her volunteer work at Melaleuca Women’s Prison as a Sporting Mentor, and as a surf instructor for Ocean Heroes.

The Dockers’ running half-back has 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.

2024 AFL - Reilly O'Brien

Adelaide Football Club

Adelaide’s Reilly O’Brien has claimed the 2024 Jim Stynes Community Leadership Award for his advocacy of mental health support in South Australian schools.

The 29-year-old Crows ruck has been an ambassador and lead facilitator for the Open Parachute Mental Health Program since its inception in 2022, which has grown by more than 200 per cent in the last two years – impacting more than 28,000 students across 40 schools that utilise the curriculum.

2023 - Sam Docherty

Carlton Football Club

Sam was recognised as the worthy recipient of the 2023 award as someone who has made a significant difference in the community. His inspirational story led to multiple fundraising campaigns within the football community and raised $220,000 towards cancer research.

2022 - Joel Selwood

Geelong Football Club

Joel was recognised for his dedication and commitment to community engagement, in particular meaningful contribution and time dedication to Cat’s Community commitments, GMHBA Health Heroes, AFL Barwon Access All-Abilities Auskick Clinics, NAB Auskick Ambassador and his role as ambassador for the Cotton On Foundation.

2021 - Travis Boak

Port Adelaide Football Club

Travis received the award as recognition for his work with the Childhood Cancer Association. Following almost 12 years of work with the association, Travis regularly volunteers his time to visit children and teens in hospitals. He played a key role in raising more than $1m annually via their ‘Captain for a Day’ experiences which allows a young patient to experience the inner sanctum of the Port Adelaide Football Club.

2020 - Bachar Houli

Richmond Football Club

Bachar was recognised for his dedication and commitment to community work and as a driving force for inclusiveness and social cohesion through his role with the Bachar Houli Foundation.

Bachar is regarded as a community leader and role model through his work at the Bachar Houli Foundation. The Foundation is focused on engaging young Muslims in football through a series of community engagement and pathway programs for both male and females, in partnership with the AFL and Richmond Football Club.

2019 - Stephen Coniglio

GWS GIANTS

Stephen was recognised for his part in the development of the Coniglio-Farrugia Community Program in partnership with the New South Wales Government, as well as ambassador roles with the Fairfield Falcons Football Club, All Nations Cup, Diversity Talent and Bachar Houli programs and the Lighthouse Community Support program.

2018 - Neville Jetta

Melbourne Football Club

Neville was selected for his work supporting Indigenous youth through various school-based programs as well as his ambassador roles with Red Cross and Headspace.

Neville was the first Melbourne Football Club player to win the Jim Stynes Community Leadership Award, named in memory of Melbourne great Jim Stynes.

2017 - Jack Hombsch

Port Adelaide Football Club

Jack won the award for his work with Inclusive Sport SA, Bedford and Kickstart for Kids. Jack acts as an ambassador for organisations dedicated to engaging those living with intellectual disabilities.

2016 - Jimmy Bartel

Geelong Football Club

Jimmy won the award for his work and commitment to the Just Think Program, the ‘Face up to DV’ campaign, which he initiated in early 2016 based on his own personal experience, and his role as an ambassador for Cottage by the Sea.

2015 - Dennis Armfield

Carlton Football Club

Dennis was recognised for his work as an ambassador and weekly volunteer for Odyssey House Drug and Rehabilitation Centre, in addition to his regular contributions to the Carlton Football Club’s community programs at the Royal Children’s Hospital and Parkville Juvenile Justice Centre.

2014 - Beau Waters

West Coast Eagles

Beau was recognised for his involvement in a number of organisations over the previous decade, including Cancer Council WA, where he was an ambassador, and for his part in the Eagles raising almost $1m for cancer research.

2013 - Zac Smith

Gold Coast Suns

In 2013, Zac was the Gold Coast Suns’ Domestic Violence Awareness ambassador and a leader of their Horizons program. Zac was also a passionate White Ribbon ambassador who had gone above and beyond to identify how he and his teammates could support the cause and deliver key messages.

2012 - Daniel Jackson