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Friday September 3, 2010

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Stynes will get through this

Posted by: Derryn Hinch for 3AW.com.au | 2 July, 2009 - 4:22 PM
Leave a message of support for Melbourne legend Jim Stynes This morning I went to the funeral of a gentleman. A true professional in the radio business. Peter James.

And then I went home and turned on the TV to watch another gentleman. Gentleman Jim Stynes. The Melbourne football club stalwart, even saviour, who bravely faced the media to reveal he is embarking on the fight of his life. A fight for his life.

It was a remarkable performance. A gutsy performance. A totally committed performance. But it says so much of the man that nobody expected he would do any less.  With his wife Sam by his side, he talked about being diagnosed with cancer in recent weeks.

Close friends know how serious it is although he did not spell it out. Jimmy Stynes likened his planned battle to a football game. Albeit a grand final.  He said he would stick to a game plan, as you do, and if it is not working he'll change it – like the coach would at the end of the first quarter.

So Jim Stynes is not quitting. Not quitting football. Not quitting Reach. Certainly not quitting life. He's just stepping away from those positions for a while to focus on the problem at hand. And anybody who knows him knows Jim Stynes can be focussed.

At the end of his emotional press conference the applause was genuine. That's because, in a world of show ponies, so is Jim Stynes.

Jim Stynes has cancer

Stynes Brownlow Medal winner Jim Stynes will vacate the position of president of the Melbourne Football Club for the rest of the year after revealing he has cancer. The cancer has spread throughout his body.


Ron Barassi in shock

Jim Stynes AFL great Ron Barassi has expressed his sadness at the news that Jim Stynes is battling a serious illness and may be forced to stand down from his position as President of the Melbourne Football Club.

Blog comments Your Say

  • Jim, I know from personal experience that with the support of your beautiful wife Samantha & sweet innocent love of your 2 small children, you can stay strong, motivated & win this challenge - together. My husband of 41yrs(a wonderful Aussie/Irishman & ardent Melb supporter all his life) was given a "use by date" as he jokingly calls it of 12 mths, 5&1/2yrs ago. He's still very happily with me, our kids & 4 adorable primary school aged grandkids. We're both 62. Being much younger & stronger, with the added incentive of gorgeous Sam & your 2 precious small children needing, loving & supporting you unconditionally (as is almost all of Victoria), I know you can win this challenge Jim altho' can't pretend it'll be easy. You're proven re: doing the "hard yards" courageously & winning, as you will again this time. You will need to be more selfish than you've ever been re: your recovery, whilst accepting being spoilt with selfless love & care from everyone who loves you, particularly your most precious loved ones. That's not always easy for a strong bloke. We'll be cheering for you as always.
    Continue to live, love & laugh with all your heart - best medicine.
    Li.

    Li Tuesday 7 July, 2009 - 5:49 AM

  • g'day Jim. U hang in there mate. we pray that the healing power of JESUS would touch u from the top of yr head to the bottom of yr soles. To the family, I pray that the PEACE of GOD and the COMFORT of the HOLY SPIRIT be upon yr lives. regards Brenda.

    Brenda Pandy Thursday 2 July, 2009 - 9:35 PM

  • jim you were a great footballer in both irish and aussie football,but you impressed me more what you did outside of football the youth of this world need you there is not many people like you around so keep punching god bless you and your family

    sean flood Thursday 2 July, 2009 - 6:13 PM

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