PORT ADELAIDE midfielder Travis Boak has been named as one of four finalists for the AFL’s 2019 Jim Stynes Community Leadership Award.
Boak joins fellow finalists Jessica Hosking from Carlton, Jamaine Jones from Geelong and Stephen Coniglio of the GWS in being in the running for the award, which is presented during the Brownlow Medal count on Monday 23 September.
The Jim Stynes Community Leadership Award is presented annually to an AFL or AFLW player who has best demonstrated the values of the late former Melbourne Football Club President and player Jim Stynes, in their commitment to the community, helping others and making a difference and the way they played and represented the game on field.
Boak was recognised because of his work with the Childhood Cancer Association, which he has been involved with for ten years.
Over that time, the former Power skipper used his profile to help kids and their families experiencing cancer, motivated after having lost his own father to the disease as a teenager.
Boak’s 10 years of contribution includes more than 300 hours of time spent with over 300 children during 140 hospital appearances.
He has helped the Childhood Cancer Association raise more $1million per annum and hosted three “Captain for a Day” experiences for young patients.
Hosking runs her own independent charity 2Boots and volunteers her time with key community organisations, Interplast and Cleft Pals Victoria – a not-for-profit organisation that aims to enhance people’s health and wellbeing by enabling access to life-changing reconstructive surgery and related medical services, dear to her given Jess was born with a cleft lip and palate.
Jones’ nomination sees him recognised for his work with Barwon Child Youth & Family’s Foster Care Campaign.
Coniglio has been recognised for his role across a range of programs that engage the multicultural communities of Western Sydney.
AFL Chief Executive Gillon McLachlan said the award continues to honour the legacy that Jim Stynes left among the community.
“Our game delivers us some of our country’s greatest role models and the finalists of the 2019 Jim Stynes Community Leadership Award showcase the impact the AFL can have in our community through a wide range of initiatives and causes,” Mr McLachlan said.
“It is wonderful to acknowledge these four outstanding players and celebrate their contribution over and above their exploits on the football field.”
Nominations for the award are formed from AFL Clubs and the AFL Players Association before the judging panel selected the final four finalists.
Proudly supported by Telstra, the AFL and the Jim Stynes Foundation, the winner will receive $40,000 and the runners-up will each receive $10,000 to be donated to the charity or community program of their choice.
Past winners include Melbourne’s Neville Jetta (2018), then Port Adelaide player 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).
The Power’s Justin Westhoff was a finalist in 2018.
