Sam Stynes overwhelmed by statue
A statue of the 1991 Brownlow medallist has been unveiled in front of some of the game's biggest names including Ron Barassi, along the Avenue of Legends in Melbourne's Yarra Park.
A statue of the 1991 Brownlow medallist has been unveiled in front of some of the game's biggest names including Ron Barassi, along the Avenue of Legends in Melbourne's Yarra Park.
The statue depicts Stynes in his No.11 Demons jumper, with a Sherrin clasped between his hands and a look of determination on his face.
Stynes' widow Samantha Stynes said she was overwhelmed by the beauty of the statue.
"I can visualise Jim playing when I see that," she told reporters on Wednesday.
"It takes me back 15 years ago seeing him on the field - the level of detail with the glove and the thigh pad and we've still got those boots."
The Irish-born ruckman played 264 games for Melbourne, including 244 in succession - a record that Stynes' close friend and former teammate Garry Lyon said would never be broken.
"Wherever I go and whenever I speak, people want to know about Jim," Lyon said.
"He was a man of great dignity that gave so much back."
A huge Stynes clan, including his parents Brian and Tess, watched on as the statue was unveiled against the Melbourne skyline.
Stynes lost his battle with cancer in 2012 at the age of 45.