Geelong Cats forward/ruck Kate Darby has been recognised for her outstanding work in the community, being named a finalist in the 2025 AFLW Jim Stynes Community Leadership Award.
Darby was one of three finalists announced by the league on Wednesday, alongside Port Adelaide’s Amelie Borg and Sydney Swans’ Dr Lulu Pullar.
This prestigious honour celebrates the AFLW player who best embodies the values of the late Jim Stynes – Melbourne champion and former Demons President.
Recognising an outstanding commitment to community service and leadership; the Jim Stynes Community Leadership Award represents the very best of the game, built on a legacy of giving back and leading by example, both on and off the field.
The 2025 AFLW Jim Stynes Community Leadership Award will be announced during the broadcast of the W Awards on Monday 24 November.
It will be the second time that two Jim Stynes Community Leadership Awards have been presented in the same year to an AFL and AFLW player, with Brisbane Lions co-captain Harris Andrews recognised earlier this year for his work with Beyond DV.
Darby has been recognised for her outstanding leadership and commitment to building connection, inclusion and participation across the Geelong community.
Through Cats Community programs, she has volunteered hundreds of hours with local schools, hospitals and grassroots clubs, supporting initiatives such as Cats Wishes, BioCATS, Healthy Heroes, and the club’s Pride and Inclusion programs.
Darby’s work spans hospital visits with Barwon Health and the Peace of Mind Foundation, mentoring through Ocean Mind’s surf-based mental health programs, and advocacy for women and girls in football.
She volunteers with local clubs including Surf Coast Suns, Torquay Tigers, Armstrong Creek, Bell Park Dragons (All-Abilities) and the Geelong Falcons, while championing family-friendly environments and supporting mothers in sport.
In 2024, Darby became a Coach Your Way Ambassador and was awarded the 2025 AFL Coaches Association Women’s Coaching Pathway Scholarship, recognising her leadership in inclusive coaching. Her ongoing work with the Fight Cancer Foundation, Friend in Me and as a registered GoodSAM responder further highlights her community impact.
Darby’s authentic commitment to use her platform to uplift others, makes football a more inclusive and welcoming space for all.
AFL CEO Andrew Dillon said the league is proud to continue honouring Jim Stynes through this award, celebrating players who use their platform to create positive change in their communities.
“I’d like to acknowledge all the 2025 AFLW Jim Stynes Community Leadership Award nominees for the work they do in the community and congratulate Amelie, Kate and Lulu for being recognised as this year’s finalists,” Dillon said.
“Jim Stynes continues to inspire our game every day, and his belief in the power of football to create a positive change remains as strong as ever.
“Our 2025 AFLW finalists embody that same spirit of generosity and purpose, using their platforms to make a difference in their communities, and that’s something we’re incredibly proud to acknowledge.
“We are very lucky to have our finalists as role models both within the AFLW and wider community and thank the Jim Stynes Foundation for their ongoing support to recognise their contributions.” Dillon said.
Jim Stynes Foundation Chair, Russel Howcroft said: “On behalf of the Jim Stynes Foundation, I’d like to congratulate Amelie, Kate and Lulu for their outstanding leadership and contribution to their community,” said Howcroft.
“Each player is deserving of this recognition and it’s deeply humbling to be able to formally recognise players who harness the power of football to create a lasting and positive change.”
Fremantle’s Madi Scanlon was the recipient of the 2024 Jim Stynes Community Leadership Award and was commended for her work at Melaleuca Women’s Prison and Ocean Heroes.
Nominations for the award are submitted from AFL Clubs and the AFL Players’ Association before the judging panel selects the finalists.
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.
In collaboration with the Jim Stynes Foundation, the winner will receive $40,000 to be donated to the charity or community program of their choice.