Port Adelaide’s Jack Hombsch wins Jim Stynes Foundation award at 2017 Brownlow Medal
PORT Adelaide defender Jack Hombsch’s volunteer work in community football – particularly with the disabled – has earned him the prestigious Jim Stynes Award, honoured at the Brownlow Medal in Melbourne on Monday night.
PORT Adelaide defender Jack Hombsch’s volunteer work in community football – particularly with the disabled – has earned him the prestigious Jim Stynes Award.
It was third time lucky for Hombsch who has been a finalist for the past three years for the award named in honor of the 1991 Brownlow Medallist.
Hombsch collects $40,000 - $20,000 from the AFL and $20,000 from the Jim Stynes Foundation – to donate to a charity or community program of his choice.
Hombsch, 24, worked with three community units – Inclusive Sport SA, Bedford and Kick Start SA – as he assisted those with physical and intellectual disabilities.
The Power key defender has committed his time and energy in these fields since 2014 with a strong personal link in his family. His younger brother Todd has Down Syndrome.
Since 2014, Hombsch has urged the AFL to dedicate a theme round to increasing awareness of the battles and needs of the disabled. At the time, Hombsch noted: “There remains great stigma for people with disability with many in the wider community unsure how to engage and interact.
“This is an opportunity for the AFL to take a leadership role in supporting people with disability who remain the largest disadvantaged community group in Australia.”
Hombsch has used his profile as an AFL footballer to enhance his role as an ambassador for Bedford Industries, a company which provides work opportunities for disabled people. He attends Bedford’s work sites and chats to those workers who have strong interest in Australian football.
“It just breaks up their day a bit,” Hombsch told The Advertiser.
“It’s nice, because while I do have a bit of a profile you can do a little bit with it. When I finish footy that profile goes and you can’t do it any more.”
michelangelo.rucci@news.com.au