The AFL has announced the five finalists for the 2024 Jim Stynes Community Leadership Award: Reilly O'Brien (Adelaide Crows), Jarrod Berry (Brisbane Lions), Bailey Banfield (Fremantle), Thomas Berry (Gold Coast SUNS) and Harry Cunningham (Sydney Swans).
Now in its thirteenth year, the prestigious award will be 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 2024 Jim Stynes Community Leadership Award will be presented during the broadcast of the 2024 Brownlow Medal on Monday 23 September.
AFL Chief Executive, Andrew Dillon, said that the AFL is always proud to honour the late Jim Stynes through this award.
“One 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,” Dillon said.
“Our 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.”
Past winners include Carlton's Sam Docherty (2023), Geelong Cats’ Joel Selwood (2022), Port Adelaide’s Travis Boak (2021), Richmond’s Bachar Houli (2020), GWS GIANTS’ Stephen Coniglio (2019), Melbourne's Neville Jetta (2018), Port Adelaide's Jack Hombsch (2017), Geelong Cats’ Jimmy Bartel (2016), Carlton's Dennis Armfield (2015), West Coast Eagles' Beau Waters (2014), Gold Coast SUNS' Zac Smith (2013) and Richmond's Daniel Jackson (2012).
Nominations for the award are submitted from AFL Clubs and the AFL Players' Association before the judging panel selects the finalists.
Proudly supported by Telstra and the Jim Stynes Foundation, the winner will receive $40,000 to be donated to the charity or community program of their choice.
2024 Finalist: Bailey Banfield
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.
After being recognised as a finalist for the 2023 Jim Stynes Community Leadership Award, Banfield's unwavering commitment to making a positive difference in the lives of children and the broader community has seen his volunteer work reach new heights in 2024.
For the past six years, Banfield has connected with patients at Starlight, regularly visiting patients on wards and taking part in activities in the Starlight Express Room for young children and LiveWire Room for teenagers at Perth Children's Hospital.
These visits have brought joy, hope, and inspiration to countless young patients and their families, providing much-needed respite from the challenges they face, including the heartwarming moment where he dedicated a ‘Spider-man’ goal celebration to Freo fan, Nicholas, who was in hospital. An instagram post of the moment became the most engaged social media post in the Club's history, bringing awareness to new audiences and elevating the foundation's national profile.
The Club-wide player ambassador program, which Banfield initiated, has significantly strengthened the connection between the Club and Starlight, increasing opportunities for Fremantle players to visit a child in hospital from two to 10 visits in 2024. In addition to making a personal contribution each year, Banfield’s tireless advocacy helped the Club raise an impressive $473,114 during the 2024 Starlight Purple Haze game.
In 2023, Banfield lead a campaign for the Kimberley Floods Appeal, which raised $50,000 and provided support and funds to rebuild local communities after the region was devastated by its largest flood in 100 years.
Hailing from Broome, Banfield also volunteers his time to help disadvantaged young people in his role at the Purple Hands Foundation, the charitable arm of the Fremantle Dockers – going above and beyond to connect with kids in the Kimberley to help encourage positive social behaviours.
His efforts have created a ripple effect, where he has motivated even more individuals to get involved, including fellow Fremantle players Conrad Williams, Mikayla Morrison and Josh Corbett who followed Banfield's lead in volunteering time for the Kimberley 9s program in their off-season.
Banfield is also an ambassador for the Millstar Foundation, established in 2021 in honour of local Perth girl Milli Lucas who tragically lost her battle with brain cancer at age 14.
