Sydney Swans utility Lulu Pullar has been named as one of four finalists of the 2026 AFLW Jim Stynes Community Leadership Award. 

Honouring the late Jim Stynes - Melbourne champion and former Demons President - the award recognises an AFLW player who has demonstrated an outstanding commitment to community service and leadership.

The 2026 AFLW Jim Stynes Community Leadership Award will be presented during the broadcast of the W Awards on Monday 23 November, and the recipient will receive $40,000 to be donated to the charity or community program of their choice.

Pullar founded DREAMD, combining her experience as an AFLW player and doctor to create a community-led charity empowering young First Nations women and girls through sport, mentorship and community programs across Central Australia.

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"I would do it again in a heartbeat" - Hansen

The Sydney Swans in collaboration with the Dreamd Academy invited Doreena Hansen for a week of Swans training, all the way from Alice Springs. Dreamd Academy is an AFLW academy founded by Sydney Swan Lulu Pullar with the aim to empower AFLW athletes to share their knowledge with remote indigenous kids and connect with community in the NT. Pullar worked alongside Redtails Pinktails Right Tracks organisers Ian McAdam, Rob Clarke and Darren Talbot to help bring the Dreamtime Academy to life, providing organisational support, equipment and helping run the clinics. The Swans also work alongside the Redtails Pinktails Right Tracks Program for our annual NT Tour with the ARA First Nations Academy creating nice synergy between the 3 programs.

Inspired by her time living and working in Alice Springs, Pullar established DREAMD Academy to break down barriers to education, leadership and participation in sport, including DREAMD Camps, which have brought together 250 young women from more than 16 remote communities.  

This year, Pullar also established the DREAMD Scholarship, enabling a young Bidjara and Kalkadoon woman from Tennant Creek to spend a week immersed in the Sydney Swans AFLW program, gaining exposure to elite training, recovery, player development and mentoring.

AFL CEO Andrew Dillon said: 

“We are incredibly proud of the contribution AFLW players make in communities across Australia, and the Jim Stynes Community Leadership Award shines a light on some of the best role models in our game,” Dillon said. 

“I’d like to congratulate Harriet, Mia, Cambridge and Lulu on being named finalists for this year’s award, each using their platform to make a meaningful impact beyond football. 

“These finalists embody the service, leadership and generosity of the late Jim Stynes, and his legacy continues to inspire our entire football community.

“I would like to thank the Jim Stynes Foundation for its continued partnership in recognising our players who are making positive change in their communities.” 

Nominations are submitted from clubs and the AFL Players’ Association before the judging panel select the finalists. 

Chaired by Trisha Squires, Head of AFLW Operations, the nine-person panel is comprised of respected leaders from the AFL, media and community sectors, including representatives from the AFL, AFLPA and Stynes family.