West Coast Eagles tough-nut Beau Waters was rewarded for his softer side last night as he took out the 2014 Jim Stynes Community Leadership Award.

Waters beat out finalists Carlton vice-captain Kade Simpson, Geelong midfielder Mathew Stokes and Port Adelaide captain Travis Boak to win the award, which honours the former Melbourne Football Club President and Brownlow medallist who passed away in 2012.

Through his ongoing work with a number of community and charitable organisations, Waters has donated considerable time and energy to a number of important initiatives that continue to positively impact the community. Through his role as an ambassador for the Cancer Council WA over the past decade, Beau has been the catalyst for the West Coast Eagles raising almost $1 million dollars for cancer research.

In addition, Beau is an active board member for Youth Focus, an organisation that supports vulnerable young people in WA by offering a range of health services, an inaugural committee member of the Young Men’s Project Committee which raises awareness of mental illness in young men, a regular Camp Quality volunteer and fund-raiser and a committee member of the WA Healthy Awards which is overseen by Healthways WA.

The winner who will receive $20,000 from the AFL to be donated to the charity or community program of their choice.

AFL chief Gillon McLachlan said the award was an enduring tribute to Jim Stynes’ standing in the game and his unwavering service and leadership throughout the community.

“This award is significant because it commemorates Jim Stynes’ vast contribution to the community, his outstanding leadership and his legacy as someone who always looked to help others,” Mr McLachlan said.

The Jim Stynes Community Leadership Award selection panel includes AFL commissioner The Honourable Linda Dessau AM (chair of the selection panel), AFL CEO Gillon McLachlan, AFL General Manager People, Customer and Community Dorothy Hisgrove, AFL Head of Diversity Jason Mifsud, Sam Ludbey-Stynes, Reach Foundation CEO Sarah Davies, 3AW broadcaster Neil Mitchell, Seven Network broadcaster Tim Watson, and AFL Players’ Association representative Marissa Filipou.