Retired Geelong AFLW player Kate Darby has been further honoured for her off-field work with the Jim Stynes Foundation Community Leadership Award.
Darby, who hung up the boots following the Cats’ final home-and-away match of the season earlier this month, received the accolade at tonight’s W Awards in Melbourne.
It comes over a week after the 35-year-old, who played 57 matches for the Cats in a 59-game career, received Geelong’s Carter Family Community Champion Award for the fifth time
Darby has dedicated countless hours to a range of organisations and community programs, including several not linked to Geelong.
She became an ambassador for Coach Your Way, advocating for women and girls’ participation in football, and received the 2025 AFL Coaches Association Women’s Coaching Pathway Scholarship.
Darby has been involved with the Talent League club Geelong Falcons, local outfits Torquay, Surf Coast and Armstrong Creek, and the All-Abilities program at Bell Park.
She received $40,000 to donate to a charity or community program of her choice.
“On behalf of the AFL, I would like to congratulate Kate for receiving the 2025 Jim Stynes Foundation Community Leadership Award,” AFL CEO Andrew Dillon said.
“Kate exemplifies the spirit of community – a value that sits at the heart of Australian football – and we have been so lucky to have such a strong role model within the game.
“Despite announcing her retirement from professional football, Kate’s dedication will be a lasting legacy, and we wish her all the very best for her future endeavours.
“I’d also like to thank the Jim Stynes Foundation for their continued support to formally recognise players doing good within their communities, with Kate receiving $40,000 to donate to her charity or community program.”
Geelong CEO Steve Hocking joined Dillon in congratulating Darby.
“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,” he 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.”
X: @krockfootball
