View source for Jim Stynes

{{short description|Australian rules footballer (1966–2012)}}
{{Use Australian English|date=March 2012}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=November 2020}}
{{Infobox AFL biography
| name = Jim Stynes<br /><small>[[Order of Australia|OAM]]</small>
| image = Jim stynes.jpg
| image_size = 150px
| alt = 
| caption = Stynes in 2008
| fullname = James Peter Stynes
| birth_date = {{Birth date|1966|04|23|df=y}}
| birth_place = [[Dublin]], Ireland
| death_date = {{Death date and age|2012|03|20|1966|4|23|df=y}}
| death_place = [[St Kilda, Victoria|St Kilda, Victoria, Australia]]
| originalteam = [[Ballyboden St Enda's GAA|Ballyboden St Enda's (club)]]/[[Dublin county football team|Dublin (underage, county team)]]
| height = 199&nbsp;cm
| weight = 99&nbsp;kg
| position = [[Ruckman (Australian rules football position)|Ruckman]]
| statsend = 1998
| repstatsend = 1998
| years1 = 1987–1998
| club1 = {{AFL Mel}}
| games_goals1 = 264 (130)
| sooyears1 = 1990–1994
| sooteam1 = [[Victoria Australian rules football team|Victoria]]
| soogames_goals1 = 10 (?)
| nationalyears1 = 1987–88, 1998
| nationalteam1 = [[Australia international rules football team|Australia]]
| nationalgames_goals1 = 5 (42pts)
| nationalyears2 = 1990
| nationalteam2 = [[Ireland international rules football team|Ireland]]
| nationalgames_goals2 = 3 (11pts)
| careerhighlights = * {{AFL Mel}} [[AFC Night Series|Night Premiership]]: (1987)
*2× [[All-Australian team]]: (1991, 1993)
* [[Brownlow Medal]]: (1991)
* [[Leigh Matthews Trophy]]: (1991)
* 4× [[Keith 'Bluey' Truscott Medal]]: (1991, 1995, 1996, 1997)
* Second most consecutive games in VFL/AFL history (244)
* {{AFL Mel}} [[Melbourne Football Club#Melbourne Team of the Century|Team of the Century]] <small>(Interchange)</small>
* [[Australian Football Hall of Fame]]: 2003
* [[Melbourne Football Club#Hall of Fame|Melbourne Hall of Fame]]
* [[Australian Sports Medal]]: 2000
}}

'''James Peter Stynes'''<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.dib.ie/biography/stynes-james-peter-jim-a10000|title=Stynes, James Peter ('Jim')|publisher=[[Dictionary of Irish Biography]]|last=Barry|first=Derek|date=October 2022|access-date=21 September 2023}}</ref> [[Medal of the Order of Australia|OAM]] (23 April 1966{{spaced ndash}}20 March 2012) was an [[Irish people|Irish]] footballer who converted from [[Gaelic football]] to [[Australian rules football]] and the first international player to be inducted into the [[Australian Football Hall of Fame]] in 2003. Playing for the [[Melbourne Football Club]] in the [[Australian Football League]] (AFL), he was one of the game's most prominent figures, setting the record for most consecutive games of VFL/AFL football with 244 (until it was beaten by Jack Crisp in 2025) and winning the sport's highest individual honour, the [[Brownlow Medal]], in [[1991 Brownlow Medal|1991]]. Off the field, he was a notable AFL administrator, [[Philanthropy|philanthropist]], charity worker and writer.

==Career==
{{one source|section|date=June 2018}}
During his 264-game career playing for the [[Melbourne Football Club]] in the [[Australian Football League]] (AFL) between [[1987 VFL season|1987]] and [[1998 AFL season|1998]], Stynes became the first and only [[List of VFL/AFL players born outside Australia|non-Australian-born VFL/AFL player]] to win the Brownlow Medal, which he achieved in 1991.

Stynes was quite famous in both Australia and Ireland as a result of his involvement in the Melbourne Football Club's international recruitment program (now known as the "[[Irish experiment]]"). Born in [[Dublin]], Ireland, where he was a promising [[Gaelic football]]er at the [[Ballyboden St Enda's GAA|Ballyboden St Enda's]] club, Stynes made a move to Australia at the age of 18 following [[Dublin county football team|his county team]]'s victory in the [[1984 All-Ireland Minor Football Championship]].

Debuting in the Australian Football League in 1987, he played 244 consecutive games between 1987 and 1998 as a mobile [[Ruckman (Australian rules football)|ruckman]], a league record that was held for 27 years. Along with his Brownlow Medal, his Australian rules achievements included the [[Leigh Matthews Trophy]], two-time [[All-Australian team]] selection, a [[AFL Grand Final|Grand Final]] appearance in [[1988 VFL Grand Final|1988]], and a four-time winner of the [[Keith 'Bluey' Truscott Medal]] for being judged Melbourne's best player throughout the course of a season. He also represented [[Victoria Australian rules football team|Victoria]] in [[Interstate matches in Australian rules football|interstate football matches]], and he played for both [[Australia international rules football team|Australia]] and [[Ireland international rules football team|Ireland]] in [[international rules football]], a [[hybrid sport|hybrid]] of Gaelic football and Australian rules football.

Following his football career, Stynes focused on [[youth work]], using his profile to launch [[The Reach Foundation]], which he co-founded in 1994. As a result of his work with young people in [[Victoria (Australia)|Victoria]], he was named [[Victorian of the Year]] twice, in 2001 and 2003, and with the expanded profile of Reach nationally, awarded the [[Medal of the Order of Australia]] in 2007.

Stynes also served as president of the Melbourne Football Club from 2008 and was involved in fundraising efforts which brought the club out of debt. In 2009, Stynes was diagnosed with metastatic [[melanoma]] and continued to work during his treatment for [[brain metastasis]]. He died in March 2012 and was honoured by a [[state funeral]] held at [[St Paul's Cathedral, Melbourne|St Paul's Cathedral]] in Melbourne on 27 March 2012.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.heraldsun.com.au/news/special-reports/jim-stynes-state-funeral-at-st-pauls-cathedral/story-fn9nljzx-1226311056979|title=Jim Stynes' Funeral at St Pauls Cathedral|website=Heraldsun.com.au|access-date=1 December 2015}}</ref>

==Early life==
Stynes was born in Dublin, Ireland, to a [[Roman Catholic]] family,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.icmi.com.au/Speaker/Sports/Jim_Stynes|title=Speaker Jim Stynes|publisher=Icmi.com.au|access-date=20 March 2012|archive-date=9 October 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111009092600/http://www.icmi.com.au/Speaker/Sports/Jim_Stynes|url-status=dead}}</ref> the eldest son of Brian and Teresa Stynes, one of six siblings.<ref name=life_times>{{cite web|author=Matt Burgan|url=http://www.melbournefc.com.au/news/2012-03-20/the-life-and-times-of-jim-stynes|title=The life and times of Jim Stynes|website=Melbournefc.com.au|date=19 March 2012 |access-date=1 December 2015}}</ref> 
He grew up in [[Rathfarnham]].<ref name="ashes">Langmaid, Aaron (2012). [http://www.heraldsun.com.au/news/special-reports/favourite-son-jim-styness-last-wish/story-fn9nljzx-1226306651352 Favourite son Jim Stynes's last wish for homecoming], ''[[Herald Sun]]'' online; published 22 March 2012</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.theage.com.au/victoria/an-irish-touch-to-farewell-a-legend-20120326-1vupp.html|title=An Irish touch to farewell a legend|date=27 March 2012|first=Barney|last=Zwartz|website=The Age|access-date=30 November 2015}}</ref>

He attended [[Ballyroan, Dublin|Ballyroan]] Boys National School.<ref name="dib">{{cite web |last1=Barry |first1=Derek |title=Stynes, James Peter ('Jim') |url=https://www.dib.ie/biography/stynes-james-peter-jim-a10000 |website=Dictionary of Irish Biography |publisher=Royal Irish Academy |access-date=7 February 2024 |location=Dublin |date=October 2022}}</ref> He began playing [[Gaelic football]] at the age of eight. From age nine, he played at [[Ballyboden St Enda's GAA|Ballyboden St Enda's]] at under-11s level. He attended high school at [[De La Salle College Churchtown|De La Salle College, Churchtown]], where he played [[rugby union]]<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.theage.com.au/articles/2003/11/01/1067597205935.html|location=Australia|work=The Age|title=It's rugby for rules players|first=Rebecca|last=Urban|date=2 November 2003}}</ref> while continuing to play Gaelic football for his club alongside his younger brother, [[Brian Stynes|Brian]].

His first exposure to Australian rules football was watching the 1980 film ''[[The Club (1980 film)|The Club]]'' on television. Stynes represented Dublin in 1984, at the age of eighteen, and was on Dublin's winning side in the [[All-Ireland Minor Football Championship]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.bodengaa.ie/about_us/about_us.43.html|title=Ballyboden St Enda's GAA website|publisher=Bodengaa.ie|access-date=20 March 2012|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120311101201/http://www.bodengaa.ie/about_us/about_us.43.html|archive-date=11 March 2012}}</ref>

Stynes aspired to a college education; however, he lacked the means and was earning just $10 a week delivering newspapers.<ref name=lad_football>{{cite web|url=http://www.heraldsun.com.au/news/special-reports/jim-stynes-from-an-irish-lad-to-football-hero/story-fn9nljzx-1226305609854 |title=Jim Stynes : From an Irish Lad to Football Hero |website=Heraldsun.com.au |access-date=2015-12-01}}</ref>

Later in his life, he graduated with a [[Bachelor of Social Science]] degree and a Diploma in Youth Work from [[RMIT University]]; additionally, he earned a [[Bachelor of Education]] degree from [[Deakin University]].{{citation needed|date=October 2021}} He was later awarded with the honorary degree of [[Doctor of the University]] from the [[Australian Catholic University]].<ref name=":0"/>

===Switch to Australian rules football===
{{see also|Irish Experiment|List of players who have converted from one football code to another}}
In 1984, Stynes responded to an advertisement in his local paper placed by the [[Melbourne Football Club]] that offered two scholarships with all expenses paid to play Australian rules football and attend [[university]] in [[Victoria (Australia)|Victoria, Australia]]. Applicants were required to be under 18, over 183&nbsp;cm and at county standard.<ref name="lad_football"/>

Tall and slim, Stynes was selected, along with James Fahey, and brought to Victoria to undergo a crash course in Australian rules. He signed a two-year contract, hoping to use the money to fund his way through college. Stynes was promised accommodation with an additional $60 weekly [[stipend]], clothing, and $50 a game. He arrived in Australia on 7 November 1984.<ref name="Murry">{{cite book|last=Murray|first=John|title=Melbourne F.C. Since 1858: An Illustrated History|publisher=Geoff Slattery Publishing|year=2008|location=Docklands, Victoria|page=71|isbn=978-0-9804420-0-7}}</ref>

Stynes debuted for the Melbourne under-19s team in 1985 and finished the season runner-up in the best and fairest.<ref name="life_times"/> [[Ray Jordon]], a coach who was experienced with talented juniors, worked intensively with Stynes, and he was sent to [[Victorian Football Association]]'s [[Prahran Football Club]] to compete at senior level.<ref name="Timeline"/>

==VFL/AFL career==
[[File:Jim Stynes statue MCG.jpg|thumb|Statue of Stynes outside the [[Melbourne Cricket Ground]]]]
Stynes made his senior debut for the Melbourne Demons in [[1987 VFL season|1987]] against [[Geelong Football Club|Geelong]] at [[Kardinia Park]].<ref name="Murry"/> Two weeks later, he played in the [[1987 VFL Night Series|Night Series Final]] against the [[Essendon Football Club|Essendon]] Bombers. The Demons' thrilling 4-point victory over the Bombers gave the club its first silverware in 23 years.

Later in 1987, Stynes was part of the senior side which won their last six matches of the home-and-away season to finish in 5th place and qualify for Melbourne's first finals series since 1964. The Demons were cast as a [[Cinderella (sports)|Cinderella team]], winning their first two finals by huge margins in front of huge, frenzied crowds. They were just seconds away from an unlikely Grand Final appearance, leading [[Hawthorn Football Club|Hawthorn]] in the Preliminary Final by 4 points when a free kick was awarded to [[Gary Buckenara]] fifty metres from goal. Stynes ran through the mark as the final siren sounded; it was an error which resulted in a [[50-metre penalty|15-metre penalty]] and brought the Hawk forward within range. Buckenara scored the goal, giving his team a two-point win and ending Melbourne's fairytale charge to the premiership (n.b. the 15-metre penalty rule was increased to 50 metres in 1988).<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.news.com.au/sport/afl/saved-from-embarressment-by-jim-stynes-simon-eishold-the-unsung-villain-of-87-prelim/story-fnelctok-1226479190738|title=Saved from embarrassment by Jim Stynes, Simon Eishold the unsung villain of '87 prelim|website=News.com.au|date=22 September 2012|first=Mark|last=Stevens}}</ref>

Stynes managed to put this costly mistake behind him. He cemented his position in Melbourne's senior team in 1988 and drew praise for his consistent play and for his innate skills and ability. He played in all 26 games, including the [[1988 VFL Grand Final|Grand Final]] versus [[Hawthorn Football Club|Hawthorn]]. Despite his team losing to the Hawks by 96 points, Stynes performed admirably and he was judged to be Melbourne's best player that day.<ref>{{Cite web|title=The life and times of Jim Stynes|url=https://www.melbournefc.com.au/news/32758/the-life-and-times-of-jim-stynes|access-date=2021-09-30|website=melbournefc.com.au|date=19 March 2012 |language=en}}</ref>

In 1991, Stynes enjoyed the finest individual season of his career. With his fitness level at an all-time high and four years of experience under his belt, he took his game to another level, dominating the season with a league-best 214 marks. Many of these were taken thanks to his canny reading of the play. He repeatedly intercepted the opposition's long kicks forward with towering marks across the half-back line. He was installed as a hot favourite to win the [[Brownlow Medal]] after averaging an astounding 30.6 disposals and 11 marks per game over the final 8 rounds. Stynes polled 25 votes to win the [[1991 Brownlow Medal]], five votes clear of his nearest rivals. He remains the only non-Australian-born player to receive game's most prestigious individual honour. He was also awarded the [[Leigh Matthews Trophy|AFL Players Association MVP trophy]], was named the [[All-Australian team#1991|All-Australian ruckman]], and won his first [[Keith 'Bluey' Truscott Trophy#recipients|club best-and-fairest award]] for Melbourne.

Media commentators noted that Stynes had used his extraordinary endurance to redefine the role of the professional ruckman. While many of his opponents were over 2 metres tall, Stynes played in the style of a tall ruck-rover. Instead of focusing on hitouts and playing in bursts, he ran the whole game and gained possession across the entire ground.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://wwos.ninemsn.com.au/article.aspx?id=8438403|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120322020105/http://wwos.ninemsn.com.au/article.aspx?id=8438403|archive-date=22 March 2012|title=Stynes one of the best says Northey|first=Paul|last=Mulvey|date=20 March 2012|access-date=28 December 2015}}</ref> This was a model of play which many other mid-sized ruckmen such as [[Geelong Football Club|Geelong]] and [[Essendon Football Club|Essendon]]'s [[John Barnes (Australian footballer)|John Barnes]] were able to successfully follow.{{citation needed|date=June 2018}}

An exceptional run of consecutive games which had begun in Round 18 of 1987<ref name="Timeline">{{cite news|title=The Stynes timeline|date=20 March 2012|first=Will|last=Brodie|url=http://www.theage.com.au/afl/afl-news/the-stynes-timeline-20120320-1vgws.html|website=The Age|access-date=1 December 2015}}</ref> almost ended with a severe rib injury in 1993 that Stynes sustained from a collision with teammate [[David Neitz]] in a match against the [[North Melbourne Football Club]]. He was treated at [[Epworth Hospital]] for a compound rib fracture. Despite being ruled out by medical officers for six weeks, he convinced his coach [[Neil Balme]] to pass him in the club fitness test and wore a chest guard in order to play the following Friday night.<ref>{{cite news|url= http://newsstore.fairfax.com.au/apps/viewDocument.ac?page=1&sy=nstore&docID=news930515_0024_9154|title=Bursting through the pain barrier|first=Gerard|last=Wright|date=15 May 1993|work=The Sunday Age}}</ref>

Stynes finished the season with his consecutive games record unblemished and achieved All-Australian selection for the second time.<ref name="Timeline"/> In [[1994 AFL season|1994]], he suffered a medial ligament tear but continued to play through it, going on to string together three fine seasons between [[1995 AFL season|1995]] and [[1997 AFL season|1997]] in which he won consecutive club champion awards.<ref name="Timeline"/> In Round 9, 1996, Stynes played his 205th consecutive game, breaking the 53-year record held by [[Jack Titus]] since 1943.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.canberratimes.com.au/afl/afl-news/the-stynes-timeline-20120320-1vgws.html?skin=text-only|title=The Stynes timeline|website=Canberratimes.com.au|access-date=1 December 2015}}</ref>

Stynes broke his hand early in the [[1998 AFL season|1998 season]], effectively ending his streak of consecutive games finally at 244. He retired from professional football at the conclusion of the season, having played a total of 264 AFL games, all at Melbourne, placing him second on the club's all-time games tally at the time.<ref name="Timeline"/>

==Statistics==
:<ref>{{cite web|url=http://afltables.com/afl/stats/players/J/Jim_Stynes.html |title=Jim Stynes|publisher=AFL Tables|access-date=12 January 2015}}</ref>
{{AFL player statistics legend/ruckman}}
{| class="wikitable"
|-
|style="background:#DD6E81; width:1em"|
|Led the league after season and finals
|}
{{AFL player statistics start/ruckman}}
|- style="background:#eaeaea;"
! scope="row" style="text-align:center" | [[1987 VFL season|1987]]
|{{AFL Mel}}
| 37 || 13 || 15 || 10 || 116 || 45 || 161 || 48 || 8 || 114 || 1.2 || 0.8 || 8.9 || 3.5 || 12.4 || 3.7 || 0.6 || 8.8
|-
! scope="row" style="text-align:center" | [[1988 VFL season|1988]]
|{{AFL Mel}}
| 11 || 26 || 26 || 13 || 316 || 107 || 423 || 135 || 21 || 196 || 1.0 || 0.5 || 12.2 || 4.1 || 16.3 || 5.2 || 0.8 || 7.5
|- style="background:#eaeaea;"
! scope="row" style="text-align:center" | [[1989 VFL season|1989]]
|{{AFL Mel}}
| 11 || 24 || 17 || 14 || 327 || 112 || 439 || 119 || 26 || 254 || 0.7 || 0.6 || 13.6 || 4.7 || 18.3 || 5.0 || 1.1 || 10.6
|-
! scope="row" style="text-align:center" | [[1990 AFL season|1990]]
|{{AFL Mel}}
| 11 || 24 || 11 || 8 || 306 || 129 || 435 || 125 || 25 || 258 || 0.5 || 0.3 || 12.8 || 5.4 || 18.1 || 5.2 || 1.0 || 10.8
|- style="background:#eaeaea;"
! scope="row" style="text-align:center" | [[1991 AFL season|1991]]
|{{AFL Mel}}
| 11 || 24 || 15 || 10 || 382 || 232 || 614 || style="background:#dd6e81;"| '''214''' || 11 || 256 || 0.6 || 0.4 || 15.9 || 9.7 || 25.6 || style="background:#dd6e81;"| '''8.9''' || 0.5 || 10.7
|-
! scope="row" style="text-align:center" | [[1992 AFL season|1992]]
|{{AFL Mel}}
| 11 || 22 || 9 || 3 || 334 || 180 || 514 || 166 || 13 || 335 || 0.4 || 0.1 || 15.2 || 8.2 || 23.4 || 7.5 || 0.6 || 15.2
|- style="background:#eaeaea;"
! scope="row" style="text-align:center" | [[1993 AFL season|1993]]
|{{AFL Mel}}
| 11 || 20 || 6 || 8 || 265 || 179 || 444 || 123 || 6 || 264 || 0.3 || 0.4 || 13.3 || 9.0 || 22.2 || 6.2 || 0.3 || 13.2
|-
! scope="row" style="text-align:center" | [[1994 AFL season|1994]]
|{{AFL Mel}}
| 11 || 25 || 10 || 8 || 241 || 179 || 420 || 126 || 16 || 269 || 0.4 || 0.3 || 9.6 || 7.2 || 16.8 || 5.0 || 0.6 || 10.8
|- style="background:#eaeaea;"
! scope="row" style="text-align:center" | [[1995 AFL season|1995]]
|{{AFL Mel}}
| 11 || 22 || 9 || 3 || 264 || 137 || 401 || 134 || 15 || 242 || 0.4 || 0.1 || 12.0 || 6.2 || 18.2 || 6.1 || 0.7 || 11.0
|-
! scope="row" style="text-align:center" | [[1996 AFL season|1996]]
|{{AFL Mel}}
| 11 || 22 || 7 || 10 || 267 || 182 || 449 || 144 || 26 || 349 || 0.3 || 0.5 || 12.1 || 8.3 || 20.4 || 6.5 || 1.2 || 15.9
|- style="background:#eaeaea;"
! scope="row" style="text-align:center" | [[1997 AFL season|1997]]
|{{AFL Mel}}
| 11 || 22 || 3 || 4 || 279 || 172 || 451 || 126 || 16 || 320 || 0.1 || 0.2 || 12.7 || 7.8 || 20.5 || 5.7 || 0.7 || 14.5
|-
! scope="row" style="text-align:center" | [[1998 AFL season|1998]]
|{{AFL Mel}}
| 11 || 20 || 2 || 6 || 145 || 89 || 234 || 56 || 6 || 253 || 0.1 || 0.3 || 7.3 || 4.5 || 11.7 || 2.8 || 0.3 || 12.7
|- class="sortbottom"
! colspan=3| Career
! 264
! 130
! 97
! 3242
! 1743
! 4985
! 1516
! 189
! 3110
! 0.5
! 0.4
! 12.3
! 6.6
! 18.9
! 5.7
! 0.7
! 11.8
|}

==Honours and achievements==
{| style="margin-right:4px; margin-top:8px; float:right; border:1px #000 solid; border-radius:8px; background:#fff; font-family:Verdana; font-size:8pt; text-align:center;"
|- style="background:#fff;"
| colspan="2;" style="padding:3px; margin-bottom:-3px; margin-top:2px; font-family:Arial; "| '''[[Brownlow Medal]] votes'''
|-
! style="width:50%;"| Season
! style="width:50%;"| Votes
|-
| [[1987 Brownlow Medal|1987]]
| —
|-
| [[1988 Brownlow Medal|1988]]
| 4
|-
| [[1989 Brownlow Medal|1989]]
| 10
|-
| [[1990 Brownlow Medal|1990]]
| 5
|- style="background:#D9F9E9;"
| '''[[1991 Brownlow Medal|1991]]'''
| '''25'''
|-
| [[1992 Brownlow Medal|1992]]
| 8
|-
| [[1993 Brownlow Medal|1993]]
| 12
|-
| [[1994 Brownlow Medal|1994]]
| 7
|-
| [[1995 Brownlow Medal|1995]]
| 15
|-
| [[1996 Brownlow Medal|1996]]
| 11
|-
| [[1997 Brownlow Medal|1997]]
| 4
|-
| [[1998 Brownlow Medal|1998]]
| 4
|-
| '''Total'''
| '''105'''
|-
| colspan=2| <small>Key:</small>
|- style="background:#d9f9e9; border:1px solid #aaa; width:2em;"
| colspan=2| <small>Green / '''Bold''' = [[List of Brownlow Medal winners|Won]]</small><!--
<br />* = joint winner</small>
|- style="background-color:#FFCCCC; border:1px solid #aaaaaa; width:2em;"
| colspan=2| <small>Red / ''Italics'' = [[Brownlow Medal#Ineligibility|Ineligible]]</small>
-->
|}

*'''Team'''
** '''[[McClelland Trophy]]''': ([[Melbourne Football Club|Melbourne]]) 1990
**'''[[List of Australian Football League pre-season and night series premiers#Night series winners 1977–1987|Night Series Premiership]] ([[Melbourne Football Club|Melbourne]])''': 1987,1989
*'''Individual'''
**'''[[Brownlow Medal]]''': 1991
**'''[[Keith 'Bluey' Truscott Medal]]''': 1991, 1995–1997
**'''[[Leigh Matthews Trophy|Leigh Matthews Trophy (AFLPA MVP Award)]]''': 1991
**'''[[All-Australian team|All-Australian]]''': 1991, 1993
**'''[[Herald Sun Player of the Year|Herald Sun Player of the Year Award]]''': 1991
**'''[[Melbourne Football Club#Melbourne Team of the Century|Melbourne F.C. Team of the Century]]'''
**'''[[Australian Football Hall of Fame#Players|Australian Football Hall of Fame inductee]]''': 2003

==Youth work and founding of Reach==
In 1994, Stynes co-founded (with film director [[Paul Currie (director)|Paul Currie]])<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.reach.org.au|title=The Reach Foundation|publisher=Reach.org.au|access-date=20 March 2012}}</ref> [[The Reach Foundation]] and became a prominent youth worker in Victoria.

In addition to Reach, Stynes worked on government advisory boards, including the 1997 [[Victorian Government]] Suicide Task Force and the Federal Minister For Youth's Youth Advisory Consultative Forum Committee.{{citation needed|date=December 2015}}

==Writer==
Stynes authored several books. His written works include two autobiographies: ''Whatever It Takes'' (1996) with Jim Main<ref>{{cite book|author=Jim Stynes|title=Whatever It Takes|publisher=Celebrity Publishing|year=1996|isbn=1-875481-40-0}}</ref> and ''My Journey'' (2012) with [[Warwick Green]], along with children's [[self-help book]]s co-written by Dr Jon Carnegie, including ''Heroes'' (2003)<ref>{{cite book|author=Dr Jon Carnegie|title=Heroes|publisher=Allen & Unwin|year=2003|isbn=978-1-86508-725-2}}</ref> and ''Finding Heroes'' (2006).<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.abc.net.au/wa/stories/s1682944.htm|title=Jim Stynes, from Aussie rules to author: ABC Western Australia|publisher=ABC|location=Australia|access-date=20 March 2012}}</ref><ref>{{cite book|author=Dr Jon Carnegie|title=Finding Heroes|publisher=Allen & Unwin|year=2006|isbn=978-1-74114-757-5}}</ref>

==Melbourne Football Club chairman==
In 2008, Stynes began expressing an interest in becoming chairman. In June 2008, Melbourne's chairman, [[Paul Gardner (AFL)|Paul Gardner]], stepped down as president to make way for Stynes.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.news.com.au/heraldsun/story/0,21985,23856097-661,00.html|title=Jim Stynes new chairman of Melbourne Football Club|publisher=News.com.au|date=12 June 2008|work=Herald Sun|access-date=20 March 2012}}</ref>

His early-stated main goal at this stage was to increase the Melbourne membership total—especially the junior membership base as stated on ''[[The AFL Footy Show|The Footy Show]]'' on 12 June 2008. Shortly following his election, he declared his staunch stance against any proposed relocation of the club to the [[Gold Coast, Queensland|Gold Coast]] or elsewhere.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.theaustralian.news.com.au/story/0,25197,23854990-2722,00.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081012132344/http://www.theaustralian.news.com.au/story/0,25197,23854990-2722,00.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=12 October 2008|title=Irish tears as Jim Stynes takes Demon chalice|author=Walsh, Courtney|date=13 June 2008|work=The Australian|publisher=The Australian|access-date=22 March 2012}}</ref>

In March 2011, Stynes met [[Prince William, Duke of Cambridge]], in [[Kerang]], teaching him basic Australian rules football skills.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.heraldsun.com.au/news/more-news/prince-william-on-flight-to-queensland/story-e6frf7kx-1226025673182 |title=Prince William on Flight to Queensland |website=Heraldsun.com.au |access-date=2015-12-01}}</ref>

In July 2011, Stynes, in his role as chairman, announced the sacking of [[Dean Bailey]] as Melbourne Football Club senior coach after a club board meeting due to an embarrassing 186-point loss to [[Geelong Football Club|Geelong]] in [[2011 AFL season|Round 19, 2011]]. Stynes said he found it extremely hard to tell Bailey of the club's decision, stating: "It wasn't something I was looking forward to," and "It makes it hard, because Dean Bailey is such a great man and a man of integrity".<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.foxsports.com.au/afl/melbourne-demons-sack-dean-bailey-afl-club-in-crisis-after-loss-to-geelong-todd-viney-in-the-frame/news-story/993b30c3399dbf885f3d409e8bf8c317|title=Melbourne Demons sack Dean Bailey; AFL club in crisis after loss to Geelong; Todd Viney interim coach|date=25 January 2022|access-date=25 January 2022}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.foxsports.com.au/afl/sacked-melbourne-demons-coach-dean-bailey-keeps-his-cool-as-he-faces-the-media-after-his-afl-axing/news-story/5e91db39cd9628aa0292487288d320e2|title=Sacked Melbourne Demons coach Dean Bailey keeps his cool as he faces the media after his AFL axing|date=August 2011 |access-date=29 March 2022}}</ref>
  
In December 2011, Stynes handed his #11 guernsey to new recruit [[Mitch Clark (Australian footballer)|Mitch Clark]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.adelaidenow.com.au/sport/afl/melbourne-honours-mitch-clark-with-jim-stynes-no11-jumper/story-e6freck3-1226214105651 |title=Melbourne Honours Mitch Clark with Jim Stynes' No. 11 |website=The Advertiser|access-date=2015-12-01}}</ref>
In February 2012, Stynes stepped down from the presidency of Melbourne, citing a desire to devote his energies towards his family and wellbeing. He was succeeded by his vice-president, Don McLardy.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.afl.com.au/news/newsarticle/tabid/208/newsid/128405/default.aspx |work=afl.com.au |title=Stepping down |author=Ryan, Peter |date=1 February 2012 |publisher=AFL BigPond Network |access-date=22 March 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120306161326/http://www.afl.com.au/news/newsarticle/tabid/208/newsid/128405/default.aspx |archive-date= 6 March 2012 }}</ref>

==Honours and awards==
The [[Jim Stynes Medal]] was named in Stynes' honour and first awarded in 1998 to the best Australian player in the [[International Rules]] series. The Jim Stynes Cup (also known as the Jim Stynes trophy) was named in Stynes' honour and awarded to the winner of the inaugural [[Barassi International Australian Football Youth Tournament|International Australian Football Youth Tournament]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.aussierulesinternational.com/home/about/publications/aussie_rules_the_world/jst|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110227193148/http://www.aussierulesinternational.com/home/about/publications/aussie_rules_the_world/jst|archive-date=27 February 2011|title=Jim Stynes Trophy|url-status=usurped|access-date=28 December 2015}}</ref>

In 2000, Stynes received an [[Australian Sports Medal]]<ref>{{cite web|url=https://honours.pmc.gov.au/honours/awards/971238|title=Stynes, Jimmy: Australian Sports Medal|publisher=It's an Honour|access-date=20 March 2012}}</ref> and was named in [[Melbourne Football Club#Melbourne Team of the Century|Melbourne Football Club's Team of the Century]]. In 2001, he received the [[Centenary Medal]] "for establishing and leading a Reach organisation for youth development" and was named [[Victorian of the Year]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://honours.pmc.gov.au/honours/awards/1121333|title=Stynes, Jim: Centenary Medal|publisher=It's an Honour|access-date=20 March 2012}}</ref>

In 2003, Stynes was inducted into the [[Australian Football Hall of Fame]] and was named Victorian of the Year.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Awards {{!}} Victoria Day Council|url=https://www.victoriaday.org.au/awards/|access-date=2021-09-30|language=en-AU}}</ref> In 2006, during the redevelopment of the Melbourne Cricket Ground, a new corporate dining and function room in level 2 of the Olympic Stand was named the "Jim Stynes Room" in honour of Stynes.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.e-brochures.com.au/mcc/afl2010/PDF/pdf.pdf|title=MCG Corporate Hospitality: 2010 AFL Premiership Season|website=E-brochures.com.au|access-date=1 December 2015}}</ref>

In 2007, he was awarded the [[Order of Australia|Medal of the Order of Australia]] for his work with youth and contribution to Australian rules football.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://honours.pmc.gov.au/honours/awards/1135129|title=Styne, Jimmy, OAM|publisher=It's an Honour|access-date=20 March 2012}}</ref>

Stynes was named Melburnian of the Year for 2010 for his Reach Foundation work.<ref>Hastie, David. [http://www.heraldsun.com.au/sport/afl/gentleman-jim-stynes-wins-melbournes-top-gong/story-e6frf9jf-1225911360203 "Gentleman Jim Stynes wins Melbourne's top gong"]. ''Sunday Herald Sun'', 29 August 2010</ref> He was named a [[Doctor of the University]] by the [[Australian Catholic University]] in recognition of his social work.<ref name=":0">{{cite web|url=http://www.acu.edu.au/alumni/news_and_events/newsletters/2011_issues/issue_2/jim_stynes_awarded_universitys_highest_honour/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120424060812/http://www.acu.edu.au/alumni/news_and_events/newsletters/2011_issues/issue_2/jim_stynes_awarded_universitys_highest_honour/|archive-date=24 April 2012|access-date=28 December 2015|title=Jim Stynes awarded University's highest honour|date= July 2011}}</ref>

==Illness==
On 2 July 2009, Stynes held a media conference to inform the public that he had developed cancer. A lump in his back was shown to be [[melanoma]], and tests revealed that his cancer had [[metastasised]], i.e. spread to other regions in his body.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.heraldsun.com.au/sport/afl/demons-legend-jim-stynes-reveals-he-has-brain-tumour-but-remains-positive-as-he-battles-cancer/story-e6frf9jf-1225781741097|title=Demons legend Jim Stynes reveals he has brain tumour but remains positive as he battles cancer|author=Langmaid, Aaron|date=2 October 2009|work=Herald Sun|access-date=22 March 2012}}</ref> Stynes intended to make clear that he was not stepping down from his role as president of the Melbourne Football Club but instead just taking a break to seek treatment.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.foxsports.com.au/story/0,8659,25722525-23211,00.html?from=public_rss|title=Melbourne Demons president Jim Stynes reveals he has cancer|work=Fox Sports|date=2 July 2009|access-date=22 March 2012}}</ref>

On 4 April 2010, it was revealed that his condition had worsened, and three days later he had surgery for [[brain metastasis]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.heraldsun.com.au/afl/more-news/jim-stynes-death-full-statement-from-wife-sam/story-e6frf9jf-1226304802142|title=Jim Stynes dies: Full statement from wife Sam|author=Stynes, Sam|work=Herald Sun|date=20 March 2012|access-date=22 March 2012}}</ref> He continued to work during his treatment and participated in the filming of a television documentary about his life and his battle with cancer, ''Every Heart Beats True: The Jim Stynes Story'', produced by friends [[Jules Lund]] and Reach co-founder [[Paul Currie (director)|Paul Currie]], which aired on 19 September 2010 on the [[Nine Network]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.heraldsun.com.au/news/victoria/jim-stynes-and-jules-lunds-bond-for-life/story-e6frf7kx-1225926011580|title=Jim Stynes and Jules Lunds Bond for Life|website=Heraldsun.com.au|access-date=1 December 2015}}</ref><ref>{{Citation|title=Every heart beats true, the Jim Stynes Story| date=30 May 2021 |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BhvTmFxKYXI |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211221/BhvTmFxKYXI |archive-date=2021-12-21 |url-status=live|language=en|access-date=2021-09-30}}{{cbignore}}</ref>

===Death===
Stynes died at his home in St Kilda on 20 March 2012, aged 45.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.theage.com.au/afl/afl-news/a-giant-of-the-game-and-a-true-inspiration-20120320-1vhz9.html|location=Melbourne, Victoria|work=The Age|title=A giant of the game and a true inspiration|date=21 March 2012}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.theaustralian.com.au/sport/afl/a-gamble-who-became-a-champion-on-and-off-field-leaves-too-soon/story-fnca0u4y-1226305721385|title=A Gamble Who Became a Champion on and Off the Field Leaves Too Soon|website=The Australian|access-date=1 December 2015}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.irishtimes.com/sports/gaa/2012/0320/1224313593090.html|title=Stynes to receive state funeral|website=Irishtimes.com|date=20 March 2012|access-date=1 December 2015}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.themercury.com.au/article/2012/03/21/311451_todays-news.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130728120325/http://www.themercury.com.au/article/2012/03/21/311451_todays-news.html|archive-date=28 July 2013|title=Jim was a champ to the end|date=21 March 2012}}</ref> He was [[cremated]], and his ashes were scattered at a "treasured spot" he chose before he died.<ref name="ashes"/>

===Reactions to death and legacy===
[[File:Jim Stynes Bridge Docklands.jpg|thumb|[[Jim Stynes Bridge]] in [[Docklands, Victoria|Docklands]], Melbourne]]
[[Ted Baillieu]], the [[Premier of Victoria]], described Stynes as "an exceptional Victorian", and he later offered a [[state funeral]] to Stynes' family, which was accepted.<ref>{{cite web|author=Henrietta Cook |url=http://www.theage.com.au/afl/melbourne-demons/jim-stynes-dead-at-45-20120320-1vgdr.html|title=Jim Stynes Dead at 45|website=The Age|date=19 March 2012 |access-date=1 December 2015}}</ref>

The memorial was held at [[St Paul's Cathedral, Melbourne|St Paul's Cathedral]] (an Anglican cathedral, although Stynes was Roman Catholic<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.abc.net.au/worldtoday/content/2012/s3464490.htm|title=The World Today - Jim Stynes farewelled in state funeral 27/03/2012|publisher=Australian Broadcasting Corporation|date=26 February 2007|access-date=1 December 2015}}</ref>) in [[Melbourne City Centre|central Melbourne]] on 27 March 2012, with the service shown on screen at [[Federation Square]].<ref>Langmaid, Aaron (2012). [http://www.heraldsun.com.au/news/special-reports/jim-styness-final-look-of-love/story-fn9nljzx-1226305666211 Jim Stynes' state funeral to be held at St Paul's Cathedral], ''[[Herald Sun]]''; retrieved 22 March 2012.</ref>

Former teammate and captain [[Garry Lyon]] gave an emotional tribute to Stynes on ''[[The Footy Show (AFL)|The Footy Show]]'', saying: "Jimmy refused to let the game define who he was. It was just a part of him and it allowed us to marvel at his determination, unwavering self-belief, resilience, strength, skill, endurance and courage" and that his good friend "was secure enough to know that displaying vulnerability can be a strength and not a weakness".<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.heraldsun.com.au/news/special-reports/garry-lyon-fights-back-tears-in-tribute-to-jim-stynes/story-fn9nljzx-1226308068301|title=Garry Lyon Fights Back Tears in Tribute to Jim Stynes|website=Heraldsun.com.au|access-date=1 December 2015}}</ref>

A [[moment of silence]] was observed at the [[Melbourne Cricket Ground]] on the day of Stynes' death, and both the Melbourne Football Club and the [[Casey Scorpions]] unveiled its {{VFL-affiliate}} plan to commemorate Stynes at their first home games in 2012.<ref name="ashes"/><ref>Lucas, Brendan (2012). [http://www.heraldsun.com.au/afl/localfooty/vfl-club-casey-scorpions-pays-tribute-to-jim-stynes/story-fn53khop-1226307019928 VFL club Casey Scorpions pays tribute to Jim Stynes], ''[[Herald Sun]]''; retrieved 22 March 2012.</ref>

At the launch of the [[2012 AFL season|2012 Australian Football League season]], both Stynes' replacement as president of the Melbourne Football Club, Don McLardy, and the AFL's [[chief executive officer]], [[Andrew Demetriou]], acknowledged his contribution to football in Australia.<ref>Forsaith, Rob (2012). [http://news.smh.com.au/breaking-news-sport/stynes-honoured-at-afls-season-launch-20120322-1vn47.html Stynes honoured at AFL's season launch], ''[[Sydney Morning Herald]]''; accessed 22 March 2012.</ref>

A minute's silence was observed before the season-opening Sydney Derby between the [[Greater Western Sydney Giants]] and [[Sydney Swans]].<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.theage.com.au/afl/afl-news/a-great-falls-the-giants-rise-20120324-1vrsn.html|title=A great falls, the Giants rise|work=The Age|date=25 March 2012|first=David|last=Sygall}}</ref>

A commemoration was held prior to [[Dublin GAA|Dublin]]'s [[National Football League (Ireland)|National Football League]] match against [[Donegal GAA|Donegal]],<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.irishcentral.com/sport/Croke-Park-to-pay-tribute-to-a-GAA-legend-Jim-Stynes-in-emotional-ceremony-143623146.html|title=Croke Park to pay tribute to a GAA legend Jim Stynes in emotional ceremony|date=21 March 2012|access-date=25 March 2012|first=Patrick|last=Counihan|publisher=IrishCentral}}</ref> both of which were held on the Saturday after Stynes' death.

Melbourne ruckman and captain [[Max Gawn]] paid tribute to Stynes, among other deceased club identities, in a post-match interview upon the club winning the [[2021 AFL Grand Final]], which had been 57 years in the making.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://7news.com.au/sport/afl/footy-fans-go-wild-over-max-gawns-heartfelt-post-game-tribute-c-4071894|title=Footy fans go wild over Max Gawn's heartfelt post-game tribute|publisher=[[Seven News]]|first=Joey|last=Riordan|date=26 September 2021|accessdate=10 October 2021}}</ref> Stynes presented Gawn with his number 37 before Gawn's debut in 2011,<ref>{{cite news|url=http://newsstore.fairfax.com.au/apps/viewDocument.ac?docID=AGE110604GB6T23L0UPF|title=Demons dig deep to go hard on Bombers|last=Quayle|first=Emma|date=4 June 2011|work=The Age|publisher=Fairfax Media|access-date=30 August 2016}}</ref> and Gawn later switched to the number 11 jumper just as Stynes had done.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.melbournefc.com.au/news/2014-12-28/honour-to-wear-stynes-no11-gawn|title=Honour to wear Stynes' No.11: Gawn|last=Burgan|first=Matt|date=28 December 2014|work=MelbourneFC.com.au|publisher=Bigpond|access-date=30 August 2016}}</ref>

==== The Jim Stynes Achievement Scholarships ====
An A$3 million 5-year partnership with the Australian government, Reach Foundation and Australian Football League for children of indigenous or multicultural backgrounds—or from disadvantaged backgrounds—was announced following Stynes' death.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.irishecho.com.au/2012/03/23/govt-announces-scholarships-to-honour-stynes/17204 |title=Govt announces scholarships to honour Stynes &#124; Irish Echo &#124; Australia's Irish Website |publisher=Irish Echo |access-date=2015-12-01 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151208093547/http://www.irishecho.com.au/2012/03/23/govt-announces-scholarships-to-honour-stynes/17204 |archive-date= 8 December 2015 }}</ref>

==== Jim Stynes Foundation ====
The Jim Stynes Foundation is a nonprofit founded in 2015 to "continue developing programs and initiatives that embody resilience, prioritizes mental health and shapes our future".<ref>{{Cite web |title=Our History |url=https://jimstynesfoundation.com.au/our-history |access-date=2023-10-01 |website=Jim Stynes Foundation |language=en}}</ref>

==== Jim Stynes Community Leadership Award ====
Established in 2012, the year of Stynes' passing, the Jim Stynes Community Leadership Award is an A$20,000 awarded annually to "current AFL and [[AFL Women's|AFLW]] players who demonstrate a commitment to the community and helping others" to be given to the charity or community program of the winner's choosing.<ref name=":1">{{Cite web |title=Community Leadership Award |url=https://jimstynesfoundation.com.au/ambition/community-leadership-award |access-date=2023-10-01 |website=Jim Stynes Foundation |language=en}}</ref> The award is given at the ceremony for the [[Brownlow Medal]], and it has been awarded to [[Daniel Jackson (footballer)|Daniel Jackson]] (2012), [[Zac Smith]] (2013), [[Beau Waters]] (2014), [[Dennis Armfield]] (2015), [[Jimmy Bartel]] (2016), [[Jack Hombsch]] (2017), [[Neville Jetta]] (2018), [[Stephen Coniglio]] (2019), [[Bachar Houli]] (2020), [[Travis Boak]] (2021), [[Joel Selwood]] (2022), [[Sam Docherty]] (2023), and [[Reilly O'Brien]] (2024; AFL) and [[Madi Scanlon]] (2024; [[AFL Women's|AFLW]]).<ref name=":1" /><ref>{{Cite web |title=Inspirational Docherty wins Jim Stynes Community Leadership Award |url=https://www.carltonfc.com.au/video/1440308/inspirational-docherty-wins-jim-stynes-community-leadership-award |access-date=2023-10-01 |website=carltonfc.com.au |language=en}}</ref> The Jim Stynes Community Leadership Award is currently a joint venture between the AFL and the Jim Stynes Foundation.<ref name=":1" /> As of 2023, A$220,000 has been distributed among various charities and community programs.

==Personal life==
Stynes' family has a strong history in [[Gaelic football]]. His uncle [[Joe Stynes]] was an All-Ireland Gaelic footballer with Dublin (1923).<ref name="SI Getting His Irish Up"/> His younger brother [[Brian Stynes|Brian]] won an [[All-Ireland Senior Football Championship|All-Ireland]] with Dublin ([[1995 All-Ireland Senior Football Championship|1995]]). Jim played against Brian in the [[International Rules Series]] against Ireland many times. Brian followed Jim to play professional Australian rules at Melbourne; however, he returned to Ireland having played just two senior games in 1992.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.melbournefc.com.au/players/playerprofile/brianstynes/tabid/8357/playerid/22045/category/past/season/2010/selected/bio/default.aspx |title=49 Brian Stynes |access-date=22 March 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120820075037/http://www.melbournefc.com.au/players/playerprofile/brianstynes/tabid/8357/playerid/22045/category/past/season/2010/selected/bio/default.aspx |archive-date=20 August 2012 }}</ref>

Another younger brother, [[David Stynes|David]], also played both Gaelic football and Australian rules, albeit at an amateur level, having played in the [[Ireland national Australian rules football team]]. He was the first player to win the cup twice, being a member of the winning team in the [[2002 Australian Football International Cup|2002 International Cup]] and [[2011 Australian Football International Cup|2011 International Cup]].<ref>{{cite news|author=Hanlon, Peter|url=http://www.theage.com.au/articles/2002/08/22/1029114163020.html|title=Stynes junior puts durability to the test|work=The Age|date=23 August 2002|access-date=22 March 2012|location=Melbourne}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.aflphotos.com.au/galleries/results/?q=David%20Stynes|title=Galleries - AFL Photo Galleries|publisher=AFL Photos|date=3 August 2005|access-date=1 December 2015}}</ref> His cousin [[Chris Stynes]] is a former [[Major League Baseball]] [[Utility pitcher|utility player]].<ref name="SI Getting His Irish Up">{{cite magazine|title=Spotlight: Getting His Irish Up: Leftfielder Chris Stynes has become the Reds' red-hot spark plug|url=https://vault.si.com/vault/1998/05/04/getting-his-irish-up-leftfielder-chris-stynes-has-become-the-reds-red-hot-spark-plug|publisher=[[CNN/SI]]|date=29 April 1998|first=Mark|last=Bechtel|quote=He has a cousin, Jim Stynes, who plays for Melbourne|access-date=4 March 2014|magazine=[[Sports Illustrated]]}}</ref>

===Family===
Jim Stynes and his wife, Samantha, had a daughter, Matisse, and a son, Tiernan.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.smh.com.au/photogallery/sport/jim-stynes-a-proud-career/20090702-d5v2.html?selectedImage=43|title=Jim Stynes: a proud career|date=2 July 2009|work=The Sydney Morning Herald|access-date=22 March 2012}}</ref>

==See also==
* [[List of players who have converted from one football code to another]]
* [[Jim Stynes Bridge]]
* [[Jim Stynes Medal]]

==References==
{{reflist}}

==External links==
{{Commons category}}
*[https://web.archive.org/web/20120902124941/http://www.melbournefc.com.au/players/playerprofile/jimstynes/tabid/8357/playerid/22026/category/past/season/2010/selected/bio/default.aspx#bio Melbourne Football Club profile]
*{{AFL Tables||}}

{{AFL Brownlow Medallists}}
{{AFL MVPs}}
{{Australian Football Media Association Player of the Year}}
{{Herald Sun Player of the Year}}
{{Melbourne Football Club Team of the Century}}
{{Keith 'Bluey' Truscott Trophy winners}}
{{1991 All-Australian team}}
{{1993 All-Australian team}}
{{1998 Australian international rules team}}
{{navboxes
| title = Jim Stynes in Victorian State of Origin teams
| titlestyle = background:#202231; color:white;
| list1 ={{1989 Victoria State of Origin players}}
{{1990 Victoria State of Origin players}}
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{{1992 Victoria State of Origin players}}
{{1993 Victoria State of Origin players}}
{{1994 Victoria State of Origin players}}
{{1995 Victoria State of Origin players}}
}}

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{{DEFAULTSORT:Stynes, Jim}}
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