The AFL has announced that Fremantle’s Bailey Banfield, the Western Bulldogs Tom Liberatore, and Melbourne’s Kysaiah Pickett as the three finalists for the 2026 Jim Stynes Community Leadership Award.
AFL Chief Executive Officer Andrew Dillion said Stynes left a lasting legacy that continues to inspire both players and the wider football community.
“Jim Stynes left a legacy that continues to inspire not just our players, but the broader football community, and his belief in using football as a force for good continues on through this award,” Dillon said.
“I’d like to acknowledge all the nominees and congratulate Bailey, Tom and Kysaiah as this year’s finalists. Their contribution to communities across the country reflect the positive impact our players have beyond the game.”
“I’d also like to thank the Jim Stynes Foundation for their continued partnership to recognise the community contributions of our players.”
Now in its fifteenth year, nominations are submitted from AFL Clubs and the AFL Players' Association before the judging panel selects the finalists.
2026 Finalist Bailey Banfield
Bailey Banfield has built long-standing partnerships with the Starlight’s Children’s Foundation, Worthy Australia and the Purple Hands Foundation. In 2026, he also established and led a player-driven program, Freo Cares.
Since launching Freo Cares, Banfield has mobilised players, coaches and staff to support five community causes, delivering meals to people experiencing homelessness, helping build safe havens for women and children escaping domestic violence, supporting disengaged youth and spending time with seriously ill children.
An ambassador for Starlight for eight years, Banfield also helped drive fundraising around Fremantle’s annual Purple Haze Game, which raised more than $300,000 this year, while his advocacy and volunteer work with Worthy Australia helped grow community support for families rebuilding their lives after domestic violence.
Previous recipients of the Jim Stynes Community Leadership Award
2025 – Harris Andrews (Brisbane Lions)
2024 - Riley O’Brien (Adelaide Crows)
2023 – Sam Docherty (Carlton)
2022 – Joel Selwood (Geelong Cats)
2021 – Travis Boak (Port Adelaide)
2020 – Bachar Houli (Richmond)
2019 – Stephen Coniglio (Greater Western Sydney)
2018 – Neville Jetta (Melbourne Demons)
2017 – Jack Hombsch (Port Adelaide)
2016 – Jimmy Bartel (Geelong Cats)
2015 – Dennis Armfield (Carlton)
2014 – Beau Waters (West Coast Eagles)
2013 – Zac Smith (Gold Coast SUNS)
2012 – Daniel Jackson (Richmond)
