Kate Darby recipient of 2025 Jim Stynes Community Leadership Award

Geelong Cats’ Kate Darby has a fitting farewell to the game, awarded the AFLW Jim Stynes Community Leadership Award at the 2025 W Awards this evening.

An inaugural player of the competition and announcing her retirement at the conclusion of the 2025 NAB AFL Season, Darby has been recognised for her outstanding leadership and deep commitment to the Geelong community.

Dedicating countless hours to various organisations and community programs – from local schools and hospitals to grassroot football clubs – Darby has championed the club’s community initiatives, including Cats Wishes, BioCATS, Pride and Inclusion and Healthy Heroes.

Becoming a Coach Your Way Ambassador last year, Darby advocated for women and girls’ participation in football, which ultimately led her to being awarded the 2025 AFL Coaches Association Women’s Coaching Pathway Scholarship.

This impact has been felt across a range of local clubs where Darby is involved, including the Surf Coast Suns, Torquay Tigers, Bell Park Dragons (All-Abilities), Armstrong Creek Sharks and the Geelong Falcons.

Away from the field, Darby makes regular hospital visits with Barwon Health and is an ambassador for the Peace of Mind Foundation – a children’s brain cancer charity – as well as being a mentor for Ocean Mind’s surf-based mental health programs.

AFL CEO, Andrew Dillon congratulated Darby on her achievement.

“On behalf of the AFL, I would like to congratulate Kate for receiving the 2025 Jim Stynes Foundation Community Leadership Award,” Dillon said.

“Kate exemplifies the spirit of community – a value that sits at the heart of Australian football – and we have been so lucky to have such a strong role model within the game.

“Despite announcing her retirement from professional football, Kate’s dedication will be a lasting legacy, and we wish her all the very best for her future endeavours.

“I’d also like to thank the Jim Stynes Foundation, for their continued support to formally recognise players doing good within their communities, with Kate receiving $40,000 to donate to her charity or community program through a combined contribution.”

Chair of the Jim Stynes Foundation, Russel Howcroft said, “I’d like to congratulate Kate on being the 2025 AFLW Jim Stynes Community Leadership Award recipient on behalf of the Jim Stynes Foundation,” said Howcroft.

“Both within the club and beyond in her community, Kate’s strong character and genuine care for others has shone through all the various initiatives she has been involved with.

“I know Jim would be incredibly proud to see the lasting impact of all of our finalists, and I wish Kate all the best as she steps away from the professional game.”

With support from the AFL and Jim Stynes Foundation, Darby will receive $40,000 to be donated to the charity or community program of her choice.

This is the second time that the Jim Stynes Community Leadership Award has been presented to an AFL and AFLW player in the same year, with Brisbane Lions co-captain Harris Andrews awarded at the Brownlow Medal.

Representing the very best of the game and built on a legacy of giving back, Darby and Andrews have been recognised as the AFLW and AFL player who best embody the values of the late Jim Stynes – Melbourne champion and former Demons President.

Port Adelaide’s Amelie Borg and Sydney Swans’ Dr. Lulu Pullar were both finalists and recognised for their significant contribution to the community and their nominated charities.

Nominations for the award are submitted from AFL Clubs and the AFL Players' Association before the judging panel selects the recipient.

Chaired by Trisha Squires, Head of AFL QLD & International, the 11-person panel is comprised of respected leaders from the AFL, media and community sectors, including representatives from the AFL, AFLPA and the Stynes family.

About the Jim Stynes Foundation

The Jim Stynes Foundation was founded in 2015 and exists to carry on the legacy of Jim Stynes by enhancing the lives of young people and utilising the power of the AFL industry to create positive impacts on the community.

Jim Stynes Community Leadership Award Committee

Andrew Dillon - AFL CEO

Luke Darcy – Western Bulldogs Board Member, media personality and former Western Bulldogs AFL captain

Jude Donnelly – AFL Executive Manager Government and Stakeholder Relations

Sarah Fair – AFL Executive General Manager People

Narelle Long –Board Member of Jim Stynes Foundation, and AFL Diversity Talent Programs Manager

Don McLardy – CEO of McLardy McShane Insurance and Financial Services, and former President of the Melbourne Football Club

Neil Mitchell – Media personality

Ben Smith - AFLPA representative

Sam Stynes – Co- Founder of Jim Stynes Foundation

Trisha Squires (Chair and non-voting member) – Head of AFL QLD & International

Kim Williams – Chair of the ABC, and former AFL Commissioner