The Greater Western Sydney GIANTS are saddened to learn of the passing of Jim Stynes.
GIANTS Chief Executive David Matthews extended his condolences to Jim’s wife Sam and children Tiernan and Matisse and his extended family in Ireland.
“They have lost a much loved member of their family and our thoughts are with them during this difficult time,” he said.
“Jim’s story is one of the most remarkable our game has seen. He was a pioneer in the true sense of the word.
“To come across from Ireland as a teenager to play Australian football took great courage and he paved the way for many other Irish players for generations to come.
“He was a gifted athlete who showed extraordinary physical endurance and became one of Melbourne’s greatest ever player, winning the 1991 Brownlow Medal.
“Away from football, Jim made a wonderful contribution to the community through his work with the Reach Foundation to help young people and this is his true legacy.
“ In recent years, he continued to put others ahead of himself despite his illness and his positive attitude was an inspiration to everyone.
“Our game and the wider community are poorer for Jim’s passing but richer for his contribution to the lives of many people around the world.”
Head Coach Kevin Sheedy also paid his respects to Jim today, stating that his story is one of the greatest that the AFL has ever known.
"This country is better off for having him migrate here.
"He had it all. To his family, his mother and father who lost their son to Australia, on behalf of the GIANTS and many people in the AFL over the years, we would love to thank you very much for your son's contribution to the youth of this country.
"Jim has been an absolutely superb person for Australia and he will be sorely missed."
GIANTS players will wear black armbands and a minute’s silence will be observed before this Saturday’s Sydney Derby at ANZ Stadium as a mark of respect to Jim.
