Kate Darby grew up in Madedon, Victoria and played junior footy for the Riddells Creek Bombers. Image: Daniel Pockett/AFL Photos
AFL Victoria congratulates Kate Darby (Geelong Cats) who is one of three finalists nominated for the 2025 AFLW Jim Stynes Community Leadership Award, alongsode Amelie Borg (Port Adelaide) and Dr. Lulu Pullar (Sydney Swans).
This prestigious honour celebrates the AFLW player who best embodies the values of the late Jim Stynes – Melbourne champion and former Demons President.
Recognising an outstanding commitment to community service and leadership; the Jim Stynes Community Leadership Award represents the very best of the game, built on a legacy of giving back and leading by example, both on and off the field.
The 2025 AFLW Jim Stynes Community Leadership Award will be announced during the broadcast of the W Awards on Monday 24 November.
It will be the second time that two Jim Stynes Community Leadership Awards have been presented in the same year to an AFL and AFLW player, with Brisbane Lions co-captain Harris Andrews recognised earlier this year for his work with Beyond DV.
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.
Kate Darby (Geelong Cats)
Hailing from Macedon in Victoria, Darby played junior football at the Riddells Creek Bombers, where she played her last match in 2002 in the U12 Grand Final, and didn't get a chance to play footy again until her mid-twenties when the AFLW was introduced.
A foundation AFLW player, Darby played one season at Carlton and has been on Geelong's list ever since. In 2022, she was awarded the Hoops Award at Geelong's AFLW Awards. The Hoops Award is awarded to the player making the best values based contribution to the club, and voted on by players, AFLW staff and coaches.
She has been recognised for her outstanding leadership and commitment to building connection, inclusion and participation across the Geelong community.
Through the Geelong Cats’ community programs, she has volunteered hundreds of hours with local schools, hospitals and grassroots clubs, supporting initiatives such as Cats Wishes, BioCATS, Healthy Heroes, and the club’s Pride and Inclusion programs.
Darby’s work spans 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.
Kate volunteers with local clubs including Surf Coast Suns, Torquay Tigers, Bell Park Dragons (All-Abilities), Armstrong Creek and the Geelong Falcons, while championing family-friendly environments and supporting mothers in sport.
In 2024, she became a Coach Your Way Ambassador and was awarded the 2025 AFL Coaches Association Women’s Coaching Pathway Scholarship, recognising her leadership in inclusive coaching. Her ongoing work with the Fight Cancer Foundation, Friend in Me and as a registered GoodSAM responder further highlights her community impact.
Darby’s authentic commitment to use her platform to uplift others, makes football a more inclusive and welcoming space for all.
Click here to read about the other nominees.