MELBOURNE will honour its connection to the Jim Stynes Foundation (JSF) this weekend, welcoming them on as the first match charity partner for 2024.    

The Dees will host the Dogs at the MCG on Sunday 17 March in their first home game of the season.  

JSF joins the exciting Round 1 match as the charity partner in a nod to its Irish history, taking place on St Patrick’s Day.  

JSF continues the work of the late Jim Stynes, a past player, Brownlow Medallist, President, and legend of the club, who tragically passed away in 2012. 

In partnership with Melbourne since 2023, the Foundation strives to have impact in three core areas: youth leadership, youth mental health and youth programs for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities. 

Like Stynes, the Foundation’s ambition is to enhance the lives of Australia’s young people, believing in their boundless potential and their ability to overcome challenges and make a positive difference in the world. 

Through these core areas, the Foundation works closely with REACH, Melbourne City Mission and remote communities within the Northern Territory, promoting general ear and eye health. 

Diehard Demon Russel Howcroft, Chair of JSF, said he was thrilled to be a part of something that continued the Stynes’ legacy. 

“Having known Jim, having been on the Melbourne Football Club Board, while Jim was president, for me, on a personal level, it’s to honour Jim and it’s an attempt to do more of the work that he started,” Howcroft told Melbourne Media. 

“We’re all very keen to focus that energy that we saw him have, on this project.” 

You can hear more from Howcroft during Sunday’s match, the chairman joining in an on-ground interview.  

Those attending Melbourne’s Round 1 President’s Club function will also have the opportunity to donate and enter a competition to win a painting of Stynes.

Donate to JSF and help enhance the lives of young people all over Australia.