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Jim Stynes passed away in 2012 following a long battle with cancer. ©INPHO/James Crombie
Legend

Jim Stynes to be commemorated in Australia with bronze statue

The late Dubliner becomes only the fifth athlete to be inducted into the Avenue of Legends.

IRISH AUSSIE RULES legend Jim Stynes is set to be commemorated in the form of a bronze statue, it has been announced.

The statue of Stynes, who died in 2012 after a long battle with cancer, with be located in Melbourne Cricket Ground.

Melbourne Cricket Club President Paul Sheahan is quoted in The Age as saying how it was “fitting that 30 years after the Gaelic footballer was recruited from Dublin, we announce Jim Stynes’ induction into the Australia Post Avenue of Legends series”.

He continued: “A true gentleman of the game, Stynes is an exceptional individual whose achievements as a non-Australian-born player remain unmatched. There is no doubt that he is one of the most extraordinary and inspiring figures in the history of Australian sport.”

Stynes becomes only the fifth athlete to be inducted into the Avenue of Legends, with cricketers Shane Warne and Neil Harvey, and footballers Norm Smith and John Coleman, also featuring.

Australia Post chief executive Ahmed Fahour added: “We’re delighted that Jim Stynes has been chosen to feature on the Australia Post Avenue of Legends. He was not only a great AFL champion, he was also an inspiration to many underprivileged and troubled youths during his career and later through the Reach Foundation.”

Stynes enjoyed a decorated career in Australian Rules football, gaining numerous accolades, including the prestigious Brownlow Medal.

Following his retirement from the sport, he subsequently gained considerable acclaim for his charity and youth work.

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