But in an effort to promote the need for blood donation in the aftermath of the Victorian bushfires, the Melbourne Football Club president decided to face his fear.
Stynes joined fellow AFL club officials St Kilda president Greg Westaway and North Melbourne CEO Eugene Arocca, and ex-AFL players Jason McCartney and Nathan Buckley at the Australian Red Cross mobile unit at Docklands on Thursday.
He urged Melbourne fans to follow his lead to help fellow Victorians in their time of need.
“I haven’t given blood before but I figured if there’s ever going to be a time, it’s probably a good time to start,” Stynes told melbournefc.com.au.
Stynes said the club had established links with the Kinglake Football Club to provide ongoing support as the community rebuilds. He and several players would attend a meeting on Thursday night to discuss the club’s future.
“We just want to be able to lend a hand,” Stynes said.
While a long-term commitment would be crucial in helping communities get back on their feet in the wake of the fires, Stynes said people could make an immediate difference through donating blood.
“It only takes 10 to 15 minutes of your time, and you’re doing a good deed,” he said.
“You never know when you might need it or a family member might need it.
“And if you’re a little bit scared of it or it makes you feel a bit queasy... before you know it, it’s done and you’re out and you can feel pretty good about yourself.”
