Geelong Cats’ Kate Darby has a fitting farewell to the game, awarded the AFLW Jim Stynes Community Leadership Award at the 2025 W Awards this evening.
An inaugural player of the competition and announcing her retirement at the conclusion of the 2025 NAB AFL Season, Darby has been recognised for her outstanding leadership and deep commitment to the Geelong community.
Dedicating countless hours to various organisations and community programs – from local schools and hospitals to grassroot football clubs – Darby has championed the club’s community initiatives, including Cats Wishes, BioCATS, Pride and Inclusion and Healthy Heroes.
Becoming a Coach Your Way Ambassador last year, Darby advocated for women and girls’ participation in football, which ultimately led her to being awarded the 2025 AFL Coaches Association Women’s Coaching Pathway Scholarship.
This impact has been felt across a range of local clubs where Darby is involved, including the Surf Coast Suns, Torquay Tigers, Bell Park Dragons (All-Abilities), Armstrong Creek Sharks and the Geelong Falcons.
Away from the field, Darby makes regular hospital visits with Barwon Health and is an ambassador for the Peace of Mind Foundation – a children’s brain cancer charity – as well as being a mentor for Ocean Mind’s surf-based mental health programs.
AFL CEO, Andrew Dillon congratulated Darby on her achievement.
“On behalf of the AFL, I would like to congratulate Kate for receiving the 2025 Jim Stynes Foundation Community Leadership Award,” Dillon said.
“Kate exemplifies the spirit of community – a value that sits at the heart of Australian football – and we have been so lucky to have such a strong role model within the game.
“Despite announcing her retirement from professional football, Kate’s dedication will be a lasting legacy, and we wish her all the very best for her future endeavours.
“I’d also like to thank the Jim Stynes Foundation, for their continued support to formally recognise players doing good within their communities, with Kate receiving $40,000 to donate to her charity or community program.”
Geelong Cats CEO Steve Hocking congratulated Darby on winning the award.
“We have long had the benefit of seeing up close how amazing, authentic and impactful Kate’s work in the community is, and we’re so proud of her to be receiving the recognition as the 2025 recipient of the AFLW Jim Stynes Community Leadership Award,” Hocking said.
“It is a fitting reward for Kate as she finishes her AFLW career to have her community work highlighted with such a prestigious award. Throughout her time at the Club, Kate has been an inspiration and example to her teammates, and we know that part of her legacy at Geelong will be the lasting impact she has made in the community.”
With support from the AFL and Jim Stynes Foundation, Darby will receive $40,000 to be donated to the charity or community program of her choice.
This is the second time that the Jim Stynes Community Leadership Award has been presented to an AFL and AFLW player in the same year, with Brisbane Lions co-captain Harris Andrews awarded at the Brownlow Medal.
Representing the very best of the game and built on a legacy of giving back, Darby and Andrews have been recognised as the AFLW and AFL player who best embody the values of the late Jim Stynes – Melbourne champion and former Demons President.
Port Adelaide’s Amelie Borg and Sydney Swans’ Dr. Lulu Pullar were both finalists and recognised for their significant contribution to the community and their nominated charities.
Nominations for the award are submitted from AFL Clubs and the AFL Players' Association before the judging panel selects the recipient.
Chaired by Trisha Squires, Head of AFL QLD & International, the 11-person panel is comprised of respected leaders from the AFL, media and community sectors, including representatives from the AFL, AFLPA and the Stynes family.
