PORT ADELAIDE utility Justin Westhoff has been announced among four finalists for the AFL’s Jim Stynes Community Leadership Award.

The award is named in honour of former Melbourne Football Club president and player Jim Stynes who died in 2012.

It is given to an AFL or AFLW player who best demonstrates the values of Jim Stynes.

Westhoff, 31, was nominated for his work with the Hutt St Centre, where he volunteers to assist the underprivileged access healthy meals, new clothes, accommodation and employment along with his work teaching school kids about healthy and sustainable eating.

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.

Westhoff’s teammate Jack Hombsch won the award last year for his work with people who have intellectual disabilities, helping them to participate in sport, particularly football.

The other finalists for 2018 are:

  • 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.
  • Jarrod Harbrow (Gold Coast Suns Football Club) for his work supporting Indigenous athletes reach their full potential through his Harbrow Mentoring Program.
  • 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.

The 2018 Jim Stynes Community Leader Award will be presented at the 2018 Brownlow Medal on Monday September 24.

Past winners include 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).

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.

Nominations were sought from AFL Clubs before the selection panel selected the four finalists. 

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.

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