2018 Club Champion and Community Award winner Jarrod Harbrow is one of four finalists for the Jim Stynes Community Leadership Award to be presented at the Brownlow Medal night on September 24.
Harbrow was nominated by the club for the award off the back of his work with Indigenous youth, including the Harbrow Mentoring eight-week leadership and professional development program he launched with Gold Coast SUNS Academy members.
The award is named in honour of former Melbourne Football Club President and player Jim Stynes who passed away in 2012.
The Jim Stynes Community Leadership Award is presented annually to an AFL or AFLW player who demonstrates the values of Jim Stynes.
The following four players are the 2018 finalists:
- Jarrod Harbrow (Gold Coast SUNS Football Club) for his work supporting Indigenous athletes reach their full potential through his Harbrow Mentoring Program.
- Ben Brown (North Melbourne Football Club) for his commitment to promoting gender equality through his ongoing work with the Safe Steps Family and as an ambassador for Our Watch.
- Neville Jetta (Melbourne Football Club) for his work supporting Indigenous youth through various school-based programs. Neville is also an ambassador for Red Cross and Headspace.
- Justin Westhoff (Port Adelaide Football Club) for his work with the Hutt St Centre, where he volunteers to assist the underprivileged access healthy meals, new clothes and accommodation.
AFL Chief Executive Officer Gillon McLachlan said the award continues to honour the legacy Jim Stynes has left among the football community.
“Each finalist should be proud to be recognised for their efforts in being nominated for this award and the impact they are making to the wider community,” Mr McLachlan said.
Past winners include Port Adelaide’s Jack Hombsch (2017), Geelong’s 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 were sought from AFL Clubs before the selection panel selected the four finalists.
The winner will receive $20,000 from the AFL and $20,000 from the Jim Stynes Foundation to be donated to the charity or community program of their choice.
The Jim Stynes Community Leadership Award selection panel includes;
- Samantha Ludbey-Stynes
- AFL Commissioner Kim Williams
- AFL General Manager of People Sarah Fair
- 3AW broadcaster Neil Mitchell
- AFL Players’ Association representative Brent Hedley
- AFL Ground Operations Manager Jennie Loughnan
