Banfield honoured with Jim Stynes Community Leadership Award

Fremantle’s Bailey Banfield has been named the 2026 AFL Jim Stynes Community Leadership Award recipient.

Banfield was recognised during Monday night’s Brownlow Medal ceremony for his sustained commitment to supporting communities across Western Australia.

The Fremantle forward has developed long-standing partnerships with Starlight Children’s Foundation, Worthy Australia and the Purple Hands Foundation, while also establishing player-led initiative Freo Cares in 2026.

Through Freo Cares, Banfield has mobilised teammates, coaches and staff to support five community causes, including delivering meals to people experiencing homelessness, helping build safe havens for women and children escaping domestic violence, supporting disengaged youth and spending time with seriously ill children.

As the winner, Banfield will receive $20,000 to donate to a charity or community program of their choice.

Melbourne’s Kysaiah Pickett was one of three finalists for the prestigious award, alongside Banfield and Western Bulldogs midfielder Tom Liberatore.