There’s been nothing more inspiring this week than seeing Melbourne president and cancer fighter Jimmy Stynes cheer on his Dees in their 55-point win over Richmond yesterday.
Stynes recently had five tumours removed from his brain, just days before the Dees’ first win against Adelaide last Sunday.
Stynes’ delicate brain surgery required 40 staples in the back of his head. He has been very sick but he keeps bouncing back, showing his amazing strength of character and inspiring everyone around him.
After dedicating last week’s win to Stynes, the Dees were super-pumped against the Tigers.
Anyone who encounters Stynes, who has lost strength as he undergoes intensive cancer treatments, can only feel like running through a brick wall.
Take a step back and remember that Melbourne have been wooden spooners for the last two years. And now, the Dees are ninth on the AFL premiership ladder.
Emotion and determination has played a big part in Melbourne’s revival. The Dees now have a realistic shot at the top eight. It highlights the power of the mind, as it forces the body to play above its threshold.
Stynes’ enthusiastic presence at the ground shows his strong leadership. While he is fighting cancer, the players are fighting on the field, drawing strength from their leader.
The former Irish footballer is no stranger to hard work. After playing AFL for just four years, Stynes won a Brownlow Medal – one of the most prestigious sports awards in this country.
When you examine Stynes’ achievements, you realise how special his qualities are and how giving he is. He is completely selfless, by supporting the Dees every step of the way - despite his pain as he strives to beat a serious illness.
There have been bundles of examples of how emotion-charged sportsmen can swing a game. Saint Stephen Milne booted five goals to be one of the best players in St Kilda’s narrow win over Fremantle last night.
Milne was rubbished for having a crack at Mick Malthouse and was fined $3000 for his comments directed at the Collingwood coach.
And Malthouse, coming off a stinging loss to the Saints and a $7500 fine for his ‘rapist’ slur against Milne, led the Magpies to a 64-point thrashing over Hawthorn on Saturday night.
It was a sweet victory for Malthouse, who is feeling the pressure as Collingwood is long overdue for a genuine crack at the flag.
But Brisbane forward Brendan Fevola’s effort to help guide the Lions to an uplifting win over the Western Bulldogs was nothing short of special.
Fevola has endured one of the worst trots of any AFL player, with a messy trail of misdemeanors. The latest hurdle has been Fev’s confessed gambling addiction.
A true test of a champion is how he responds in adversity – how he bounces back.
And while Stynes leads the pack for his strength and inspiring leadership, last week’s troublemakers have excelled, showing their fighting spirit and character.
It proves you can win on emotion – because at the end of the day, most people want respect for their achievements. It’s only natural.
Post your tribute to Jimmy Stynes below. Your well wishes will give him a mighty boost.
Visit Jimmy Stynes’ Twitter page.
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