RICHMOND midfielder Daniel Jackson has been announced the winner of the inaugural Jim Stynes Community Leadership Award.

The award honours the former Melbourne president and champion player who passed away in March after a long battle with cancer.

Jim's brother Brian Stynes presented Jackson the award during Monday's Brownlow Medal ceremony.

AFL chief executive Andrew Demetriou said the award commemorated Stynes' work in the community and was bestowed on the player "who demonstrates the values of Jim Stynes in his commitment to the community and understanding the value of helping others".

Stynes was a co-founder of The Reach Foundation, which is a prominent youth organisation.

Brian Stynes congratulates Jim Stynes Community Leadership Award recipient Daniel Jackson. Picture: AFL Media

Jackson was recognised for his passion in helping Australia's youth, particularly with addressing mental health issues. He was appointed to the national board of the non-for-profit Big Brothers Big Sisters, an internally renowned youth mentoring organisation.

The 26-year-old is an ambassador for Headspace, Australia's national youth mental health foundation, and is also a guest speaker for Step Back Think, a campaign which focuses on education around anti-violence and alcohol-fuelled violence.

Callum Twomey is a reporter for the AFL website. Follow him on Twitter at @AFL_CalTwomey.