JIM STYNES knew a thing or two about life.
The Irish-born footballer, who played 264 games in the red and blue, was as much of an inspiration off the field as he was on it.
His gutsy, spirited performances were matched with a selfless, caring and inspiring nature, that, away from football, wanted only to see young people reach their full potential.
It was this vision that led Stynes to co-found the Reach Foundation – a not-for-profit designed to inspire Australian youth, which now works with more than 30,000 young people every year.
But his work was far-reaching. Stynes had an ability to impact many, be it with a nod, smile or small gesture.
For Melbourne captain Max Gawn, it came in the form of belief.
What started as an appreciation for each other’s quirks quickly became a connection deeper than most, and one that transcends Stynes’ tragic passing 10 years ago.
“When I think of what Jim taught me, it’s two-fold,” Gawn told Melbourne Media.
“As a player, I’m lucky enough to wear one of the greatest Demons of all time’s numbers, who was a ruckman and an innovator.
“The second part is what he taught me as a person.
“Football is crazy. We are young adults, being courageous, standing out on the arena and doing our best every week.
“Looking at that number – the No.11 – every time I go out there, it just makes me realise that it’s a game of football. It’s just another game of football.
“Jim taught me that balance and values that I’m using now, as a captain, a husband, a brother, a son and a dad.”
Their unique bond saw them make many memories and, while some were more challenging than others, there was one that stands true for Gawn.
It was during a meeting at the club on a Wednesday. Team selection was traditionally announced on a Thursday, but a dedicated Stynes wanted to be there to present the No.37 jumper – Stynes wore this number in his debut season – to the youngster he saw potential in.
“Jim could only make it down on a Wednesday because he had an operation on the Thursday and also wasn’t going to be at the game on the Friday,” Gawn recalled.
“Jim came to the front; he had a jumper in his hand. I was sort of catching on because I had played a couple of good VFL games and every ruckman in our team was injured. I had a feeling it was going to be my time.
“When I saw him with the jumper in his hand and he started speaking about how his health was and how much of an effort he made to come down because he really wanted to see me play, it was a pretty magical moment.
“That’s easily the memory that sticks in my mind the most.”
Sunday marks a decade since the loss of one of the greatest players the game has ever seen.
Having never played AFL when he arrived in Australia as an 18-year-old, Stynes went on to claim a Brownlow Medal, four club Best and Fairest Awards and two All Australian selections, while setting a record of 244 consecutive games.
He added to his incredible contribution as Club President during the late 2000s, where he helped Melbourne navigate its way out of financial trouble.
Through all those proud to belong to both the Demons and Reach, Stynes’ legacy is one that lives on and lives strong, helping young people believe in themselves and get the most out of life.
