Jim Stynes is one of the great AFL stories of all time.
- Irish born AFL footballer
- AFL Brownlow Medalist
- AFL anti-racism officer
- Four time Melbourne Football Club Best and fairest winner
- AFL player’s association MVP winner (Leigh Matthews Trophy)
- Two time AFL All Australian
- 224 continuous AFL games (a league record)
- Melbourne Football Club President
- Charity worker for the youth Reach Foundation
- Author
- Order of Australia medal winner
- AFL Hall of Fame inductee
- Melbourne Football Club team of the century.
I can’t help but admire the achievements of the gallant, ruckman, workhorse, Jim E Stynes.
Stynes is one of the few AFL players who have commanded the respect of players and supporters of all clubs. You never hear of anyone having a bad word for Jim Stynes who achieved almost all there is to achieve in an AFL career. A fantastic effort for someone who was not brought up on our game, but adopted and conquered AFL Football in a 264 game, 130 goal career.
Everyone will recall the day he ran over the mark in the Preliminary Final at VFL Park to allow Gary Buckenara a 15 meter penalty for a goal after the siren to kick Hawthorn into the 1987 Grand Final.
Others will recall the day Stynes wore a hat in a pre-season game much to the amusement of all watching.
I have Jim Stynes’ autograph twice. One which says: “To Col, thanks for the hat – Best wishes, Jim Stynes” which proves this great man also has a sense of humour. I laugh every time I look at it. (Thanks to DGES WORLD FAMOUS FOOTY TIPPING COMP tipster, Pear for organizing this Jim Stynes autograph) The other says “To Colin. Go Dees, Jim Stynes”
Jim Stynes is a strong man of courage and principles. I read today with anguish the news that Jim Stynes has begun a new chapter in his life. The battle against Cancer.
On behalf of the DGES WORLD FAMOUS FOOTY TIPPING COMP, I extend our best wishes to Jim Stynes on his latest fight and for a speedy recovery. I’m sure he will draw on the strength and courage that has always served him so well to overcome his latest challenge.
1 Comment
July 3, 2009 at 11:28 am
JJ’s Round 14 tips.
Melbourne – I’ve picked this with Jim Stynes in mind, I reckon the Dees will do it for him, no has nothing to do with form or even based on anything remotely “footy”, but I think they’ll get over the line for big Jim. You’re article was spot-on, doesn’t matter who you barrack for, everyone seems to have a lot of time for Jimmy Stynes – may the luck of the Irish be with him.