The AFL and the Reach Foundation today announced the launch of the Jim Stynes Community Leadership Award in honour of the former Melbourne Football Club President and champion player who passed away in March this year, following a lengthy battle with cancer.  The announcement was made by Jim Stynes’ widow, Sam Stynes, Melbourne Football Club President Don McLardy and AFL Chief Executive Officer Andrew Demetriou.

This award will commemorate Jim Stynes’ tireless service and leadership across the community and will be bestowed annually to the AFL player who demonstrates the values of Jim Stynes in his commitment to the community and understanding the value of helping others.

Please note that these details are correct at the time of publishing. WFN accepts no responsibility for any changes to these times by broadcasters. Please check local guides or afl.com.au.

2012 TOYOTA AFL PREMIERSHIP SEASON – ROUND 8 INTERNATIONAL BROADCAST SCHEDULE Friday 18 May – Monday 20 May

The much hyped about AFL recruitment of NRL ‘converts’ Karmichael Hunt and Israel Folau has unabashedly been very heavily weighted to the promotional benefits for the code. No matter how good a player that Karmichael Hunt has already become – his on field value to the Gold Coast Suns Football Club is now measured differently to his initial promotional value both to the club and to the AFL. The increased awareness of Australian Football in new markets and new demographics has been much talked about – and perhaps recent Dandenong Stingrays debutant Agape Patolo may be amongst the first of many to give the game a go - who may otherwise not have - and perhaps make a career from it.

Please note that these details are correct at the time of publishing. WFN accepts no responsibility for any changes to these times by broadcasters. Please check local guides or afl.com.au.

2012 TOYOTA AFL PREMIERSHIP SEASON – ROUND 5 INTERNATIONAL BROADCAST SCHEDULE Friday 11 May – Monday 14 May

Please note that these details are correct at the time of publishing. WFN accepts no responsibility for any changes to these times by broadcasters. Please check local guides or afl.com.au.

2012 TOYOTA AFL PREMIERSHIP SEASON – ROUND 5 INTERNATIONAL BROADCAST SCHEDULE Friday 4 May – Sunday 6 May

Please note that these details are correct at the time of publishing. WFN accepts no responsibility for any changes to these times by broadcasters. Please check local guides or afl.com.au.

2012 TOYOTA AFL PREMIERSHIP SEASON – ROUND 5 INTERNATIONAL BROADCAST SCHEDULE Wednesday 25 April – Sunday 29 April

Please note that these details are correct at the time of publishing. WFN accepts no responsibility for any changes to these times by broadcasters. Please check local guides or afl.com.au.

2012 TOYOTA AFL PREMIERSHIP SEASON – ROUND 4 INTERNATIONAL BROADCAST SCHEDULE Friday 20 April – Sunday 22 April

The fifth annual Unity Cup will be held in Melbourne this Sunday. The Round Robin tournament aims to promote community understanding and social inclusion. Teams travel from around the country and represent various ethnic and religious groups.

A joint press release from the AFP, AFL Victoria and Essendon, North Melbourne, Western Bulldogs and Hawthorn Football Clubs can be read below.

A legend on the field.

An inspiration off it.

Since the AFL introduced the International Scholarship List in 2006, the take up by AFL clubs has been relatively subdued. There have been issues with visas. There have been some encouraging performances at 2nd or 3rd tier levels. Today Fairfax has reported that St Kilda is looking “align its new player academy with European soccer clubs and also become the first club to harvest overseas talent on a major scale”.