We’re proud to announce Harry Cunningham has been named as a finalist for the 2024 Jim Stynes Community Leadership Award for his longstanding work with Redkite.

Cunningham is one of five finalists, which also include Adelaide Crow Reilly O'Brien, Brisbane Lion Jarrod Berry, Fremantle’s Bailey Banfield and Thomas Berry from the Gold Coast SUNS.

It’s the third time Cunningham has been named as a finalist for the award, which is presented to the player who has best demonstrated the values of late Melbourne champion and former Demons’ President, Jim Stynes. From their commitment to helping others and making a difference in the community, to the way they represent the game on and off the field, this award goes to the heart of the sport.

Cunningham has been a strong supporter and ambassador for Redkite for over a decade. During this time the veteran defender has been the face of Sydney's Redkite Day, made regular ward visits, has supported Redkite’s music therapy program and helped campaign for numerous fundraising activities to help families facing childhood cancer.

Cunningham was first introduced to Redkite by former Swans player Rhyce Shaw in a visit to the Royal Children's Hospital in Randwick, where he was deeply impacted by the work they do. Over a decade later, Cunningham is a constant presence in the Redkite community, having built strong relationships with Redkite Staff and Matt Ralph, the music therapist at the Royal Children's Hospital. 

Despite COVID impacting in person visits to hospitals in 2020, Cunningham’s passion for the charity saw him proactively  attend music therapy sessions with families via Zoom, In the same year he also supported the promotion of the ‘Crunch for Kids’ fundraising challenge rallying 20 players and coaches to get involved which raised more than $50,000.
 
Cunningham is passionate about showing the next generation of AFL and AFLW players the important role they can play in the community, namely with Redkite, which has seen him recruit several new charity ambassadors this season, including Isaac Heeney, Braeden Campbell, Corey Warner and Harry Arnold. He has also taken younger players under his wing and into the hospital when he has done visits this season to show them the impact they can have, in the same way that Rhyce Shaw influenced him over a decade ago.

Each season, Cunningham is leading from the front at the annual Sydney Swans Redkite Day, rallying players and Swans members and fans to support and introducing Redkite families to the playing group and fan base. Over the last 13 years, Redkite Day and further support of Redkite fundraising initiatives has resulted in an incredible $250,000 being raised.

This year, Cunningham welcomed a very special Redkite patient Mackenzie Papworth to the SCG where she was able to meet the team and be a part of the training session. It’s moments like these where Harry shines and leads by such a positive example in creating these special moments for those who have been through so much.

The 2024 Jim Stynes Community Leadership Award will be presented during the broadcast of the 2024 Brownlow Medal on Monday 23 September.

AFL Chief Executive, Andrew Dillon, said that the AFL is always proud to honour the late Jim Stynes through this award.
 
“One of the things I love most about our game is the impact that it has beyond the football field. We are incredibly proud of the work our players do in the community to raise awareness for worthy causes and positively impact the lives of so many people,” Dillon said.
 
“Our nominees have all displayed great compassion, leadership and commitment in their volunteer work, all values that are at the core of this award. We are so lucky to have them as role models within the footy world and the wider community, and acknowledge the contribution they’ve made over years.”   
 
Past winners include Carlton's Sam Docherty (2023), Geelong Cats’ Joel Selwood (2022), Port Adelaide’s Travis Boak (2021), Richmond’s Bachar Houli (2020), GWS GIANTS’ Stephen Coniglio (2019), Melbourne's Neville Jetta (2018), Port Adelaide's Jack Hombsch (2017), Geelong Cats’ Jimmy Bartel (2016), Carlton's Dennis Armfield (2015), West Coast Eagles' Beau Waters (2014), Gold Coast SUNS' Zac Smith (2013) and Richmond's Daniel Jackson (2012).
 
Nominations for the award are submitted from AFL Clubs and the AFL Players' Association before the judging panel selects the finalists.
 
Proudly supported by Telstra and the Jim Stynes Foundation, the winner will receive $40,000 to be donated to the charity or community program of their choice.