In this photo is James 'Jim ' Stynes before his first VFL/AFL game. Stynes is a prominent Irish-born Australian rules footballer and was best known for his career in the sport at its highest level. Jim was also known for his remarkable charity work and his hard fort battle with cancer.
Stynes was born in Dublin, Ireland in 1966 and was one of six siblings. Stynes was introduced to Gaelic football at the age of 8 and starred in the under 11 's competition a year later at the age of 9 and a future in the sport seemed inevitable. Throughout his high school years Jim continued to shine and aspired to attend college to further his Gaelic football and academic skills.
Although Jim aspired to attend college it seemed unlikely as he earned as
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Jim was determined to prove the football community wrong and did just that. Stynes went on to play the majority of the following season and was a key player that helped the Melbourne Football Club to reach the Grand final and was named best player for Melbourne in that game. From then on in Stynes dominated the competition and received the AFL 's highest individual award, the Brownlow Medal. Throughout his career Stynes was named in the All Australian team twice, received the Melbourne Football Club best and fairest award 4 times and was named in the Melbourne Football Club team of the century.
In 2012, Jim Stynes lost his courageous and public battle with cancer for which he used his negative experience as an opportunity to educate and raise much needed funds for cancer research. Also in 2012 he was inducted into the inaugural AFL hall of fame, going down as one of the greatest players to have ever serve the game.
Jim stynes is not only remembered for his prolific sporting ability but he has inspired many with his selfless contribution to charities such as The Reach Foundation which he co-founded in 1994 to inspire young people to build belief in themselves and get the most out of their lives. He was also awarded Victorian of the year in 2003 and Australian of the year in 2011 for his work with disadvantaged youth.
Jim Stynes story of hard work and determination has inspired not only Australian 's but many people throughout the