Mykelti Lefau has won the David Mandie Community Award at Tuesday night’s Jack Dyer Medal.

Lefau was recognised for his contribution and effort in strengthening communities around him.

In order to win this award, the recipient must show compassion and empathy towards disadvantaged people, as well as demonstrate a willingness to learn about different community groups, including Indigenous and multicultural groups.

Lefau’s empathetic and kind-hearted nature shines through everything he does, further translating to his exceptional leadership skills, which he demonstrates at the Club.

The New Zealand-born Samoan made huge strides this year by connecting the Club and AFL back to Samoa.

Earlier this year, Lefau led a five-day trip to Samoa, visiting schools and clinics for kids, introducing them to Australian Rules Football.

It was the first time that he had returned to his homeland and his father’s birthplace, where they visited the Lefau family village of Nofoali’i.

During the trip, Lefau invited teammates, Josh Gibcus, Tylar Young, Taj Hotton and Judson Clarke, along with Richmond staff, to experience and participate in Samoan culture.

The trip allowed Lefau to share his story and the game he loves with the Pacific nation, further demonstrating to everyone that AFL is for them too.

The 27-year-old further volunteers his time with many of the Club’s initiatives, including work with the Foodbank, Midsumma, the Alannah and Madeline Foundation, and several school and community visits.