Carlton vice-captain Kade Simpson has been named as a finalist for the 2014 Jim Stynes Community Leadership Award. Simpson has been nominated for his work with Down Syndrome Victoria, an organisation he is passionate about and has helped raise vital funds for.

The AFL and the Reach Foundation today announced the four finalists for award, including Simpson, Geelong midfielder Mathew Stokes, Port Adelaide captain Travis Boak and West Coast Eagles defender Beau Waters.

Stokes has been nominated for his work with the Deadly Choices program and various Indigenous communities, Boak for his work with the Childhood Cancer Association, and Waters for his work with the Cancer Council WA and other community organisations.

The Jim Stynes Community Leadership Award each year honours the former Melbourne Football Club President and Brownlow medallist who passed away in 2012. It will be presented to one of the four finalists at the 2014 Brownlow Medal ceremony.

AFL CEO Gillon McLachlan said the award was an enduring tribute to Jim Stynes’ standing in the game and 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,” McLachlan said.

“This year’s finalists are all exceptional candidates, as are the other nominees who have shown great initiative and leadership across the community.

“We look forward to Sam Ludbey-Stynes again presenting the award to the winner at this year’s Brownlow Medal count, an event that saw Jim crowned the Brownlow medallist in 1991.”

Nominations were sought from AFL clubs before the selection panel chose the four finalists. The winner will receive $20,000 from the AFL to be donated to the charity or community program of their choice.