FREMANTLE utility Bailey Banfield has been honoured for his exceptional leadership in community work and deep commitment to social change, receiving the 2026 Jim Stynes Community Leadership Award at the Brownlow Medal on Monday night.
The award recognises the AFL player who best embodies the values of the late Jim Stynes through outstanding commitment to community service and leadership.
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A long-time ambassador for the Starlight Children's Foundation and advocate for Worthy Australia and the Purple Hands Foundation, Banfield's impact extended beyond the Dockers this year when he founded Freo Cares. The player-driven initiative mobilises players, coaches and staff across the club to support at-risk youth, deliver meals to people experiencing homelessness, spend time with seriously ill children, and help build safe havens for families escaping domestic violence.
Over his eight years with Starlight, Banfield has driven funding for Fremantle's annual Purple Haze game, which raised more than $300,000 in 2026 alone, while his hands-on advocacy and volunteer work with Worthy Australia have directly increased support for families rebuilding their lives after domestic violence.
Western Bulldogs midfielder Tom Liberatore and Melbourne forward Kysaiah Pickett were also named finalists, recognised for their significant community contributions.
AFL CEO Andrew Dillon congratulated Banfield, praising his off-field leadership and strong character in using his platform as a force for good.
"The Jim Stynes Community Leadership Award represents the very best of our game, and I'd like to congratulate Bailey as the 2026 recipient," Dillon said.
"Bailey has recognised his influence beyond the football field and embraced the responsibility to use it as a force for good, reflecting the same strong character and deep commitment to helping others as the late Jim Stynes.
"I'd like to thank the Jim Stynes Foundation for their ongoing partnership as well as congratulate fellow finalists Tom and Kysaiah for their outstanding contributions."
Fremantle CEO Simon Garlick expressed the club's pride in Banfield's achievement, highlighting his selfless leadership in founding Freo Cares, his genuine dedication to helping others without seeking recognition, and the way he inspires teammates and staff to get involved.
"The Fremantle Football Club is immensely proud of Bailey Banfield, who has been recognised for his dedication and commitment to the community with this year's Jim Stynes Community Leadership Award," Garlick said.
"We are thrilled Bailey's commitment to Fremantle's community partnerships - and his own personal community partnerships - has been recognised. Bailey has worked tirelessly with the Freo Cares program he established and continues to drive, which is built on genuine relationships, sustained effort and a real desire to leave things better than he found them.
"He leads by example, brings teammates and our staff along with him, and does the vast majority of this work without any expectation of recognition.
"On behalf of everyone at the Fremantle Football Club, we congratulate Bailey on this award and the recognition of the calibre of person this award was created to celebrate.
"We are immensely proud to see his quiet, tireless work for others acknowledged on the public stage it deserves."
Chair of the Jim Stynes Foundation, Russel Howcroft, praised Banfield for embodying the values of the award, highlighting his sustained commitment to improving lives and using his football platform to drive positive community change.
"On behalf of the Jim Stynes Foundation, we would like to congratulate Bailey on his outstanding commitment to improving the lives of others over a sustained period," Howcroft said.
"Bailey has embodied the values of the Jim Stynes Community Leadership Award, using the power of football as a platform to create positive change. His work has impacted so many people.
"The Foundation is incredibly proud to see so many players going beyond their jobs as footballers to contribute to their communities."
With support from the AFL and the Jim Stynes Foundation, Banfield will receive $40,000 to donate to an eligible charity or community organisation of his choice.
Now in its 15th year, nominations for the award are submitted by AFL clubs and the AFL Players' Association (AFLPA) before a judging panel selects the finalists.
Chaired by Head of AFLW Operations Trisha Squires, the nine-person panel comprises respected leaders from the AFL, media, and community sectors, including representatives from the League, the AFLPA, and the Stynes family.
Previous recipients of the Jim Stynes Community Leadership Award
2025 - Harris Andrews (Brisbane)
2024 – Reilly O’Brien (Adelaide)
2023 – Sam Docherty (Carlton)
2022 – Joel Selwood (Geelong)
2021 – Travis Boak (Port Adelaide)
2020 – Bachar Houli (Richmond)
2019 – Stephen Coniglio (Greater Western Sydney)
2018 – Neville Jetta (Melbourne)
2017 – Jack Hombsch (Port Adelaide)
2016 – Jimmy Bartel (Geelong)
2015 – Dennis Armfield (Carlton)
2014 – Beau Waters (West Coast)
2013 – Zac Smith (Gold Coast)
2012 – Daniel Jackson (Richmond)