Jim Stynes was born in Dublin and played Gaelic football for Ballyboden St. Enda’s until he decided to leave Ireland to go Down Under and take up Aussie Rules football with Melbourne.

Stynes was a natural, and won the Brownlow Medal – the game’s highest individual honor – in 1991 and enjoyed a hugely successful playing career from 1978-98.

After his playing career wound down he assumed the role of anti-racism officer for the Australian Football League and also played a vital part in the International Rules series between Ireland and Australia, so much so that “The Jim Stynes Medal” is awarded to the best Aussie player every series.

Stynes took over as Chairman of Melbourne Football Club last year, vowing to increase membership and opposing the possible move of the club outside Melbourne.

Not only has he made his mark in football, but Stynes has changed the lives of many children for the better through the Reach Foundation, a nonprofit which he co-founded to inspire young people.

For his charity work he was named Victorian of the Year in 2003 and was awarded an OAM (Order of Australia medal) in 2007.

 

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