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17th September 2014
07:45am BST

The statue of Jim Stynes has been unveiled! pic.twitter.com/BpNUc1xScO
— Melbourne FC (@melbournefc) September 17, 2014
Jim Stynes takes up permanent residence at the MCG pic.twitter.com/hXF6XasK9q
— Gerard Whateley (@GerardWhateley) September 17, 2014
Stynes passed away in 2012 at the age of 45 after losing a lengthy and courageous battle with cancer and as well as being remembered for his feats on the field, he was also highly renowned for his charity work, particularly through the Reach Foundation, which he co-founded in the mid-90s.
The statue shows Stynes in the famous number 11 jersey he wore with distinction for Melbourne throughout his career and his widow Samantha Stynes, children Matisse and Tiernan and parents Brian and Tess were all present at its unveiling earlier today.
"I can visualise Jim playing when I see that," Samantha Stynes told reporters at the unveiling.
"It takes me back 15 years ago seeing him on the field - the level of detail with the glove and the thigh pad and we've still got those boots."
Gone, but not forgotten, the statue is a fitting tribute to the memory of an AFL and GAA legend.Explore more on these topics:

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