RECENTLY retired Geelong Cats forward\/ruck Kate Darby has been recognised for her outstanding work in the community and awarded finalist status in the 2025 AFLW Jim Stynes Community Leadership Award.<\/p>\n
The 34-year-old was revealed as one of three finalists for the award by the AFLW on Wednesday last week, celebrating her dedication to community service and leadership.<\/p>\n
Darby volunteered hundreds of hours throughout the 2025 season, spanning hospital visits with Barwon Health and the Peace of Mind Foundation, mentoring through Ocean Mind’s surf-based mental health programs, and advocacy for women and girls in football.<\/p>\n
She supported local clubs including the Surf Coast Suns, Torquay Tigers, Armstrong Creek, Bell Park Dragons (All-Abilities) and the Geelong Falcons.<\/p>\n
Last year, Darby became a Coach Your Way Ambassador and was awarded the 2025 AFL Coaches Women’s Coaching<\/p>\n
Pathway Scholarship.<\/p>\n
Her ongoing work with the Fight Cancer Foundation, Friend in Me and as a registered GoodSAM responder further highlights her widespread community impact.<\/p>\n
AFL chief executive officer Andrew Dillon lauded Darby and her fellow nominees for their efforts.<\/p>\n
“I congratulate Amelie, Kate and Lulu for being recognised as this year’s finalists.<\/p>\n
“Jim Stynes continues to inspire our game every day, and his belief in the power of football to create a positive change remains as strong as ever.<\/p>\n
“Our 2025 AFLW finalists embody that same spirit of generosity and purpose, using their platforms to make a difference in their communities, and that’s something we’re incredibly proud to acknowledge.”<\/p>\n
Jim Stynes Foundation chair Russell Howcraft said each player was deeply deserving of the award.<\/p>\n
“it’s deeply humbling to be able to formally recognise players who harness the power of football to create a lasting and positive change.”<\/p>\n
Nominations for the award were submitted from AFL Clubs and the AFL Players’ Association before a judging panel selected the finalists.<\/p>\n
In collaboration with the Jim Stynes Foundation, the winner will receive $40,000 to be donated to the charity or community program of their choice.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
RECENTLY retired Geelong Cats forward\/ruck Kate Darby has been recognised for her outstanding work in the community and awarded finalist status in the 2025 AFLW Jim Stynes Community Leadership Award. The 34-year-old was revealed as one of three finalists for the award by the AFLW on Wednesday last week, celebrating her dedication to community service […]<\/p>\n