Essendon is thrilled to announce that defender Mia Busch has been nominated for the Jim Stynes Community Leadership Award.
 
The award recognises current AFL and AFLW players who embody and display a commitment to community, helping those who need it most. 
 
The award is named after the late Jim Stynes, whose legacy continues to live on in encouraging sporting greats to contribute to their communities. It is presented annually at the W awards and the Brownlow ceremony, with the recipient receiving $40,000 to be donated to the charity or community program of their choosing.
 
During her time at the Club, Busch has participated in 80-plus hours of community work across key initiatives, including commitments across First Nations engagement, disability inclusion and community leadership.
 
Busch has spent three consecutive years supporting AFLW Dreamtime in Darwin, building the connection between the Club and community, and visiting remote communities across the Northern Territory. She was also selected to mentor aspiring footballers through the AFLNT talent pathway program in the Tiwi Islands and West Arnhem.
 
The 22-year-old is a passionate advocate for disability and inclusion, and has also championed Essendon’s Wheelchair Football program, fostering participation and connection for players with disabilities. 
 
Supporting the wheelchair program for three years now, Busch has contributed approximately 29 voluntary hours beyond her required player appearances, becoming a mentor for female wheelchair footballers, ultimately fostering and environment where everyone is welcome, giving women participating in the sport greater encouragement, visibility and connection with the Club.
 
Busch’s commitments go beyond football, consistently volunteering her own time outside her football commitments, with her approach centred on listening, learning and building relationships.
 
It’s a prime example of how AFLW athletes can use their platform to empower young people, create opportunities and make long-lasting connections.
 
The 2026 AFLW Jim Stynes Community Leadership Award will be presented during the broadcast of the W Awards on Monday 23 November.