The AFL and the Reach Foundation have announced Carlton player Dennis Armfield as the winner of the 2015 Jim Stynes Community Leadership Award.
 
The Jim Stynes Community Leadership Award is named in honour of former Melbourne Football Club president and Brownlow medallist Jim Stynes who passed away in 2012.
 
Sam Ludbey-Stynes presented Dennis Armfield with the award at the Brownlow Medal ceremony held at Crown Palladium on Monday night.
 
AFL Chief Executive Officer Gillon McLachlan said the award was a lasting tribute to Jim Stynes’ legacy.
 
“This award commemorates Jim Stynes’ significant contribution to the community and is a tribute to his standing in the game.”

@darmfield27 has been awarded the 2015 Jim Stynes Community Leadership Award! Dennis, an ambassador for leading drug and alcohol rehabilitation organisation Odyssey House Victoria, does so much amazing work in the community. We're all very, very proud of you, "Dang"! #Brownlow

A photo posted by Carlton Football Club (@carlton_fc) on Sep 28, 2015 at 5:00am PDT

Mr McLachlan said Dennis Armfield, Chris Mayne and Corey Enright were each exceptional finalists for the award this year, showing genuine initiative and community leadership through their wide-ranging work with a number of community and charitable organisations.
 
"Their efforts, along with every player nominated by their club this year, further demonstrates the huge contribution AFL players make to a wide range of causes.
 
“Dennis’ consistent demonstration and application of community leadership through his work is what really stood out to the selection panel.
 
“Through his role as an ambassador for Odyssey House Drug and Rehabilitation Centre, Dennis has been a weekly volunteer for the past two years."
 
In addition, Armfield is a regular contributor to the Carlton Football Club’s community programs at the Royal Children’s Hospital and Parkville Juvenile Justice Centre.
 
He will receive $20,000 from the AFL to be donated to the charity or community program/s of his choice.
 
Nominations for the Award were sought from AFL clubs before the selection panel chose the three finalists, followed by the winner.
 
The Jim Stynes Community Leadership Award selection panel includes Sam Ludbey-Stynes, Reach Foundation CEO Trisha Squires, 3AW broadcaster Neil Mitchell, Seven Network broadcaster Tim Watson, AFL Players’ Association representative Marissa Filipou, AFL Chief Executive Officer Gillon McLachlan, AFL Senior Adviser, Indigenous and Multicultural Affairs Jason Mifsud and AFL Assistant to the CEO, Tony Peek.