AFLW star Darby lands major community honour

GEELONG Cats player Kate Darby has a fitting farewell to the game, awarded the AFLW Jim Stynes Community Leadership Award at the 2025 W Awards on Monday this week.

An inaugural player of the competition and announcing her retirement at the conclusion of the 2025 NAB AFL Season, Darby has been recognised for her outstanding leadership and deep commitment to the Geelong community.

Dedicating countless hours to various organisations and community programs – from local schools and hospitals to grassroot football clubs – Darby has championed the club’s community initiatives, including Cats Wishes, BioCATS, Pride and Inclusion and Healthy Heroes.

Becoming a Coach Your Way Ambassador last year, Darby advocated for women and girls’ participation in football, which ultimately led her to being awarded the 2025 AFL Coaches Association Women’s Coaching Pathway Scholarship.

This impact has been felt across a range of local clubs where Darby is involved, including the Surf Coast Suns, Torquay Tigers, Bell Park Dragons (All-Abilities), Armstrong Creek Sharks and the Geelong Falcons.

Away from the field, Darby makes regular hospital visits with Barwon Health and is an ambassador for the Peace of Mind Foundation – a children’s brain cancer charity – as well as being a mentor for Ocean Mind’s surf-based mental health programs.

“Kate exemplifies the spirit of community – a value that sits at the heart of Australian football – and we have been so lucky to have such a strong role model within the game,” AFL chief executive officer Andrew Dillon said.

“Despite announcing her retirement from professional football, Kate’s dedication will be a lasting legacy, and we wish her all the very best for her future endeavours.

“I’d also like to thank the Jim Stynes Foundation, for their continued support to formally recognise players doing good within their communities, with Kate receiving $40,000 to donate to her charity or community program.”

Geelong Cats CEO Steve Hocking also congratulated Darby.

“We have long had the benefit of seeing up close how amazing, authentic and impactful Kate’s work in the community is, and we’re so proud of her to be receiving the recognition as the 2025 recipient of the AFLW Jim Stynes Community Leadership Award,” he said.

“It is a fitting reward for Kate as she finishes her AFLW career to have her community work highlighted with such a prestigious award.

“Throughout her time at the Club, Kate has been an inspiration and example to her teammates, and we know that part of her legacy at Geelong will be the lasting impact she has made in the community.”

For context on similar recognition programs, see Travis Boak wins Jim Stynes Community Award.