The AFL Grand Final: more than a game

In a rare piece of good AFL news from off the field, Richmond player Daniel Jackson has been awarded the inaugural Jim Stynes Community Leadership Award.

The award, which was presented in the run-up to Saturday’s AFL Grand Final, recognised Jackson’s contribution to the community through his role as a national board member of the not-for-profit group Big Brothers Big Sisters. The award also recognised his work as an ambassador for Headspace, and his efforts speaking at schools on behalf of En Masse and Step Back Think.

Reach Foundation CEO Sarah Davies said Jackson’s hard work to provide exceptional community leadership made him the perfect recipient of the award.

"Daniel's commitment to the mental health and wellbeing of young people, and his drive and initiative to provide support and take action, stood out,” Ms Davies said.

“His involvement goes beyond wanting to help out: he understands the issues, has developed his expertise and depth of knowledge, is involved in direct service delivery and also advocates for systemic change,” she said.

Jackson was presented with $20,000 from the AFL to be donated to a charity of his choice.

Meanwhile, in the week before the biggest AFL game of the year, not-for-profit Boots For All announced a new partnership with Australia Post.

While top-of-the-range Puma, Nike and Adidas football boots reign supreme on the feet of AFL superstars, old tattered boots are a common sight on local footy fields.

Boots For All redistributes recycled football boots and other equipment to disadvantaged Australians in selected regions across Australia.

Since 2006, Boots For All has helped slip 5500 pairs of feet into second-hand football boots across Australia.

In a boost to the organisation this week, Australia Post has pledged to assist with the distribution of sports equipment through its delivery network, and to help facilitate the collection of donated goods.