Delisted Fremantle player Bailey Banfield wins Jim Stynes Community Leadership Award
Bailey Banfield won the 2026 Jim Stynes Community Leadership Award for his community work supporting vulnerable children and families.
The award recognises achievements during major life changes. The 28-year-old was delisted by Fremantle this year.
Despite this, he has built a strong record helping families and children in need. He works with the Worthy Foundation, Purple Hands and the Starlight Foundation.
Freo Cares has brought together players, coaches and staff. They help people facing hardship across the community.
Banfield drives this work. Banfield learned to care from his upbringing in Broome.
He had loving parents and outdoor freedom there. His hospital visits with seriously ill children through Starlight shaped his empathy.
Early exposure to serious illness taught him to understand what others feel. He learned to listen deeply to their hidden struggles.
He and his wife Jules are expecting their first child. This marks another change as he thinks about what football offers next.
- 28 years old
- Age
- Nine years
- Years at Fremantle
- Broome
- Hometown
Why it mattersLeadership and community impact matter beyond career success. Banfield shows how athletes can change what they do after footy ends.
AustraliaBanfield's charitable work through Australian charities like Starlight and Worthy Foundation reflects broader AFL player involvement in addressing family violence and child health across the country.
✓ Claims checked against the source and corrected before publish. checked 1 h ago
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