Heeney flying high in Canberra

By Callum Twomey

This article first appeared on afl.com.au

When Isaac Heeney set himself for a week of training with the AIS-AFL Academy in Canberra, he prepared to work hard, listen to everyone around him, and enjoy the experience. Meeting the Prime Minister, however, wasn’t on the agenda.

Heeney is one of seven AIS-AFL Academy players awarded Jim Stynes Scholarships, announced at this year’s Brownlow Medal and selected by the AFL, the Reach Foundation and Jim’s wife, Sam Stynes.

Four others, for a total of 11 (the number Stynes made famous during his career at Melbourne), were also announced as recipients.

After Stynes’ death earlier this year, Prime Minister Julia Gillard searched for a way to honour his legacy.

The Gillard Government provided $3 million as part of a partnership with the AFL to establish the scholarship fund, which helps disadvantaged children follow their sporting aspirations.

The recipients receive funding towards football, travel and education expenses.

With the AFL’s seven recipients in the nation’s capital this week, Gillard, and federal minister for sport Kate Lundy, organised to meet the scholarship holders at Parliament House on Tuesday.

“It was awesome,” Heeney said.

“The Prime Minister was really nice and willing to talk. It’ll be a weird feeling seeing her next time on TV, knowing we’ve met before.”



Heeney plays footy in New South Wales for the Cardiff Hawks, in an area dominated by rugby league. In his AFL competition, he comes up against more senior, experienced and physical opponents.

He thinks it gave him a good grounding for this year, where he won the McLean Medal as the best player in division two of the NAB AFL Under-16 Championships.

PHOTO COURTESY NEWCASTLE HERALD