Ex-Melbourne senior coach Dean Bailey remembers friend and former colleague Jim Stynes …
“It’s very sad news today.
“As has been well-documented and reported Jim’s a great man, who had a great life even though it was short - he made every post a winner, Jimmy.
“I feel richer and fortunate to have met Jimmy.
“I know my wife Karen and my two boys Mitchell and Darcy extend our condolences not just to Jim’s family, but to the wider community.
“Jim’s wife Sam is an incredibly tough lady, who lived a great life with Jim, and in the previous two-and-a-half to three years has obviously gone through seeing someone, who she loves dearly, slowly fighting a battle, that I think in the wider community we need to understand is one that Jimmy won.
“The diagnosis early wasn’t great, but to extend his life the way he did is a remarkable effort - he’s a remarkable man.
“I remember a couple of times when I went round to his house just around the corner from Junction Oval.
“He looked pale and ordinary, but he said, ‘I’ll make you a cup of tea’, so I sat down and had a cup of tea with him.
“His insights into life through his experiences are extraordinary.
“I think the game is poorer for his passing, but we’re all richer because we knew him.
“He walks into a room and not only does he light it up, but he walks in with a degree of confidence and great experience.
“He fought to have an AFL career and made a success of it.
“He fought to ensure there was a pathway for youth and established ‘Reach’.
“When he’s committed to something he’s 100 per cent committed and goes 100 miles an hour at it.
“People really respect that and I think that’s why he’s such a great leader.
“People like following him and talking to him.
“He would give his time up freely and sometimes at the expense of his family.
“I think there would be a long line of people, who could say, ‘at some stage the words of Jim Stynes has helped me in my life’.
“When we were in trouble we all turned to Jim and he got out in front and led the charge.
“He saved the club and certainly helped to put it back on the map.
“The image of Jimmy out on the ground with Austin Wonaeamirri’s father is a picture that will stay with me for the rest of my life.
“Here’s an Irishman, who has become an icon of the Melbourne Football Club, and Austin’s father from the Tiwi Islands … to see those two people embrace and have their love for the club, it was a pretty special moment.
“Jimmy’s a great part of the Melbourne footy club history, that’s for sure and I know the legacy he leaves will be long and strong.”
The Adelaide Football Club wishes to extend its deepest condolences to the family and friends of Jim Stynes following his sad passing.
