In a fitting farewell to the AFLW, Geelong’s Kate Darby was awarded the Jim Stynes Community Leadership Award at the 2025 W Awards on Monday night.
The award recognises the AFLW player who best embodies the values of the late Jim Stynes – Melbourne champion and former Demons president.
Darby announced her retirement from the game at the conclusion of Geelong’s season after being an inaugural AFLW player in 2017, playing two games for Carlton and then 41 for the Cats. She was recognised for her outstanding leadership and deep commitment to the Geelong community.
Darby dedicated countless hours to various organisations and community programs – from local schools and hospitals to grassroot football clubs – and championed community initiatives, including Cats Wishes, BioCATS, Pride and Inclusion and Healthy Heroes.
Becoming a Coach Your Way Ambassador last year, Darby advocated for women and girls’ participation in football, which led her to being awarded the 2025 AFL Coaches Association Women’s Coaching Pathway Scholarship.
Darby is involved with local clubs Surf Coast Suns, Torquay Tigers, Bell Park Dragons (All-Abilities), Armstrong Creek Sharks and Geelong Falcons.
Away from playing, Darby makes regular hospital visits with Barwon Health and is an ambassador for the Peace of Mind Foundation – a children’s brain cancer charity – as well as being a mentor for Ocean Mind’s surf-based mental health programs.
“We have long had the benefit of seeing up close how amazing, authentic and impactful Kate’s work in the community is, and we’re so proud of her to be receiving the recognition as the 2025 recipient of the AFLW Jim Stynes Community Leadership Award,” Geelong Cats chief executive Steve Hocking said.
“It is a fitting reward for Kate as she finishes her AFLW career to have her community work highlighted with such a prestigious award. Throughout her time at the club, Kate has been an inspiration and example to her teammates, and we know that part of her legacy at Geelong will be the lasting impact she has made in the community.”
