Fremantle defender Madi Scanlon has been presented with the 2024 Jim Stynes Community Leadership Award as recognition for her unwavering commitment towards volunteering her time in the community.

A joint venture of the AFL and Jim Stynes Foundation, the Jim Stynes Community Leadership Award recognises players who demonstrate a commitment to the community and helping others - and was presented the accolade at the W Awards on Monday evening.

Fremantle CEO Simon Garlick said he was pleased for Scanlon, a deserving recipient who embodies the Club’s values.

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

"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."

Scanlon was nominated for the award for her voluntary work within the community for various charities including Ocean Heroes and Mission Australia as well as dedicating time as a Sporting Mentor at Melaleuca Women’s Prison.

Melaleuca is a maximum-security remand and receival prison for adult women where up to 95 per cent of the prison population have experienced physical and sexual assault.

Since her first visit in September 2023, Scanlon has regularly attended the prison every four to six weeks running football clinics and inviting Fremantle teammates to join her.

The clinics teach the participants football skills but also allows them the opportunity to connect through physical activity and experience team sport camaraderie they otherwise would not be exposed to.

Fremantle Head of AFLW Claire Heffernan, who has attended every visit to the prison alongside Scanlon, touched on the powerful effect the clinics have had firsthand on the women in care. 

“What started as a one-off visit to Melaleuca, has become a regular clinic with members of the AFLW team attending each time,” Heffernan said.

“This wouldn’t have happened without Madi’s vision and dedication towards using her position as an athlete to create positive change for disadvantaged members of our community.

“Witnessing the impact this has on the women in Melaleuca has been very moving, and highlights how powerful volunteering your time can be.”

Scanlon also regularly volunteers as a 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. 

Participating in a 24-hour Swim for Ocean Heroes, Scanlon helped raise $215,000 towards continued offerings of free and unique activities for neurodiverse communities around Australia to connect and flourish.

“We as a Club are genuine in our support of our athletes pursuing their passions outside of football and couldn’t be more impressed by Madi’s hard work and leadership in this area,” Heffernan said.

Scanlon will receive $20,000 from the Jim Stynes Foundation, which is to be donated to the charity or community program of her choice.

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