CARLTON’S inspirational Sam Docherty has claimed the 2023 Jim Stynes Community Leadership Award.
A beacon of hope for those battling illness, the Blues veteran has used his platform to raise awareness and vital funds for cancer research, having recovered twice from testicular cancer.
An Observer to the Board of the Peter Mac Cancer Foundation, Docherty plays an active role both inside and outside the football club in his fundraising efforts. He is also an ambassador for MacKillop Family Services’ Paws4Kids program, an initiative which helps vulnerable children get back into the classroom through the support of therapy dogs.
Docherty joins former teammate Dennis Armfield (2015) in being awarded the Jim Stynes Community Leadership Award, which is presented to the player that embodies the values of the late Melbourne champion in their commitment to helping others, making a difference and representing the game on and off the field.
On the back of the ‘Doing it for Doc’ initiative two years ago, Docherty made an amazing return to the field in 2022 and continued to embrace his off-field role in 2023, teaming up with fellow cancer survivor and close friend Ben Cunnington as the Blues and Roos came together to raise over $200,000 for the Good Friday Appeal ahead of a record-breaking Good Friday SuperClash.
Docherty is also an ambassador for the Peter Mac Cup, joining Carlton teammates and Collingwood opponents alike at the Peter Mac Cancer Centre in the lead-up to the longest-running charity match in the AFL between the two old enemies.
Speaking in his nomination for the award, Docherty said the opportunity to inspire given his platform in the game is something he doesn’t take for granted.
“On the back-end of my cancer treatment, I was looking to give back. With my personal connection, I wanted to dig my roots in deeper this time,” Docherty said.
“I’m not saying I didn’t have direction before my cancer diagnoses of parts one, two and three, but this gave me a sense of identity of part of who I am. Why I do everything that I do now has changed significantly: I’ve got a family, but secondary to that is to give back to people that are going through a tough time.
“I was one of those people two or three years ago. I understand that in your darkest days, having people around you that are trying to make a difference is so important.
“Jim is the peak of what we aspire to be in an off-field capacity. He’s the starting point where this shift of players doing stuff off the field has come through. I know when he passed away, a lot of donations came through here because he understood the leading cancer research place is Peter Mac.
“From a player’s point of view, to win an award named in his honour is a pretty special thing and incredibly humbling. It’s not why we do any of this stuff, but you try and have some positive impact in the community.”
AFL Chief Executive Gillon McLachlan and Carlton CEO Brian Cook both praised Docherty for his commitment to using his platform and passion to help others going through similar journeys.
“Sam should be incredibly proud of this achievement, and I’d like to congratulate him on the tremendous support and advocacy he’s provided for patients, families and everyone in the community who has been impacted by cancer,” McLachlan said.
“The way Sam has been able to use his own personal experience to give hope, inspiration and raise an enormous amount of funds for the Peter MacCallum Cancer Foundation and other charities is a testament to his character.”
“Sam is such a selfless and generous person who gives everything to everyone. The way he plays the game is a true reflection of his character - courageous with spirit and heart - and this shines through off the field too,” Cook added.
“He’s always willing to help and we couldn’t be prouder of what he’s been able to achieve in the community and the positive impact he’s had on so many people. He truly wants to make a difference and we feel very lucky to have Sam at our club.”
Proudly supported by Telstra and the Jim Stynes Foundation, Docherty will receive $40,000 which will be donated to the charity or community program of his choice.
About the Jim Stynes Foundation
The Jim Stynes Foundation (JSF) perpetuates the work of the late Jim Stynes. Like Jim, at the Foundation, we believe in the boundless potential of young individuals, and their abilities to overcome challenges and make a positive difference in the world. The Jim Stynes Foundation’s goal is to nurture leadership qualities within every young person, empowering them to become agents of change within their communities.
Public in nature, the Jim Stynes Foundation is endorsed as a Deductable Gift Recipient (DGR) that distributes funds to its worthy and specifically chosen registered charities which include Melbourne City Mission, Reach and the Santa Teresa Community. As a PuAF the public are invited to and can contribute to the Foundation. Donations can be made via www.jimstynesfoundation.com.au/donate The 2023 Jim Stynes Community Leadership Award selection panel includes:
- Trisha Squires – Chair of Jim Stynes Foundation & Head of AFL Queensland
- Sam Ludbey-Stynes – Jim Stynes Foundation
- Luke Darcy – Network Seven & Triple M
- Andrew Dillon – Incoming AFL CEO
- Jude Donnelly – AFL, Head of Government Relations & Corporate Social Responsibility
- Sarah Fair – AFL Executive General Manager – People
-
Neil Mitchell – 3AW Broadcaster
- Brett Murphy – AFLPA Representative
- Kim Williams – Former AFL Commissioner
