Scanlon claims 2024 Jim Stynes Community Leadership Award

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.

Presented at the W Awards on Monday night, it’s the first time two Jim Stynes Community Leadership Awards have been presented in the same year to an AFL and AFLW player, after Adelaide’s Reilly O’Brien received the honour at the 2024 Brownlow Medal.

The prestigious accolade is presented to the player who has best demonstrated the values of late Melbourne champion and former Demons’ President, Jim Stynes. From their commitment to helping others and making a difference in the community, to the way they represent the game on and off the field, this award goes to the heart of the sport.

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.

Since her first visit in September 2023, the 21-year-old has regularly attended the prison every four to six weeks running football clinics as a Sporting Mentor. Football not only teaches the participants football skills but more importantly, allows them the opportunity to positively connect, remain active and experience team sport camaraderie they otherwise would not be exposed to.

In addition to her work at the prison, Scanlon is also a regular volunteer surf instructor for Ocean Heroes, an organisation that provides the opportunity for children diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder to participate in organised sport in a safe and inclusive environment.

As part of this volunteer work, Scanlon participated in a 24-hour swim for Ocean Heroes, raising $215,000 towards continued offerings of free and unique activities for neurodiverse communities around Australia to connect and flourish.

Proudly supported by Telstra and the Jim Stynes Foundation, Scanlon will receive $40,000 to be donated to the charity or community program of her choice.

Fellow finalists Darcy Vescio (Carlton), Chloe Dalton (GWS Giants) and Bella Eddey (North Melbourne Tasmanian Kangaroos) were also recognised and commended on the night for their contribution to the community.

AFL Chief Executive, Andrew Dillon, congratulated Scanlon on her achievement:

“On behalf of the AFL I would like to congratulate Madi for receiving the 2024 Jim Stynes Community Leadership Award – Madi should feel very proud of the positive impact she’s having in the community,” Dillon said.

“The visits Madi undertakes at Melaleuca Women’s Prison as a Sporting Mentor has seen her become a strong female role model for the participants, and she has inspired many to join a sporting team once they leave the facility to create a sense of belonging and aid wellbeing in their lives.

“Her work as a volunteer surf instructor for Ocean Heroes also helps children on the autism spectrum participate in organised sport in a safe and inclusive environment, which is vital for all young children to have that opportunity.

“We are lucky to have so many amazing people playing our game, and I would like to recognise and acknowledge all our finalists – Darcy, Chloe and Bella – for the commitment and passion they have dedicated to their charities and initiatives.

“Thanks to Telstra and the Jim Stynes Foundation we were able to present two Jim Stynes Community Leadership Awards this year, with both Madi and Reilly receiving $40,000 to donate to their charity or community programs.”

Fremantle CEO Simon Garlick said:

"Madi's unwavering dedication to creating meaningful change in our community is nothing short of inspiring," Garlick said.

"Her work with Melaleuca Women’s Prison and Ocean Heroes showcases her leadership, compassion, and commitment to fostering connection and belonging.

"She epitomises the values we hold dear at Fremantle, the Club and the rest of the Freo Family couldn't be prouder of her incredible efforts.

"We are thrilled to see Madi’s dedication recognised, and we stand firmly behind her as a deserving recipient of the Jim Stynes Community Leadership Award."

Jim Stynes Foundation Chair Russel Howcroft said:

“On behalf of the Jim Stynes Foundation, we would like to congratulate Madi on being awarded the 2024 Jim Stynes Community Leadership Award.

"Madi’s dedication and leadership in her work at Melaleuca Women's Prison and Ocean Heroes make her an outstanding winner of this award, and she truly embodies the values which Jim stood for: empathy, courage, and a commitment to service.

"We're so pleased to be able to recognise the positive community impact across AFLW, and Madi is a worthy winner in this historic year."

Alita McMenamin, Head of Brand, Network & Sponsorships at Telstra said:

“We congratulate Madi as the first recipient of the Jim Stynes Community Leadership Award among the AFLW finalists, recognising the special values she has brought to the game which honour Jim Stynes’ legacy.

“We are proud to have supported the AFL to provide separate awards for both AFL and AFLW players this year, to recognise the unique contributions they have made to their communities.”

The 2024 Jim Stynes Community Leadership Award selection panel includes:

• (Chair) Trisha Squires – Head of AFL Queensland & International (non-voting member)
• Luke Darcy – Western Bulldogs Great (226 games), Director and media personality
• Andrew Dillon – AFL CEO
• Jude Donnelly – AFL, Executive Manager Government and Stakeholder Relations
• Sarah Fair – AFL Executive General Manager – People
• Don McLardy – CEO McLardy McShane Insurance & Financial Services
• Neil Mitchell – Melbourne Broadcaster
• Brett Murphy – AFLPA Representative
• Sam Stynes – Jim Stynes Foundation Founder
• Kim Williams – ABC Chair and Former AFL Commissioner