I thought I’d take the opportunity to thank everyone for their great support since Monday night. 

It was an absolute honour to receive the inaugural Jim Stynes Community Leadership award, especially at the Brownlow, the night of nights. 

I am very humbled to even have been considered for an award associated with a man of the calibre of Jim Stynes. 

As a boy I used to love watching the great man run around on the MCG.  I used to think he was a giant on the field, but it wasn’t until I got older that I was fully able to understand how big of a man Jim was, not just on the field, but more importantly, off it. 

Jim’s tireless efforts and the passion he showed for both his community work and for the Melbourne Football Club were inspirational, and the way that not just the AFL and Melbourne communities, but the whole nation, mourned after his tragic passing earlier this year, is a true testament to the man.

The show of support I have received since Monday has been overwhelming, and I’m hoping I will be able to use this to help further the different causes I am currently involved with, and any others in the future. 

It is also my hope that with the introduction of the Jim Stynes Community Leadership award, that more AFL players will be recognised throughout the year for their efforts in all areas of the community, as there are so many players out there doing tremendous things. 

For people who are interested in the organisations I am involved with, they include:

And finally, if you and your family are looking for something to do after the footy season finishes, Big Brothers Big Sisters is holding a great event on Sunday, October 14, in Melbourne’s Docklands precinct. 

The event is called ‘Chase the Cache’, and is basically a hi-tech treasure hunt, using portable GPS units to find hidden treasures over the course of a 90min race. 

There are lots of great prizes to be won, and will no doubt be a great Sunday activity for the family. To register a team, go to www.chasethecache.com.au 

Thanks, and see you in 2013 for a huge Tiger year!

Daniel Jackson.