Jim Stynes passed away.

Former Dublin minor footballer and Aussie rules star Jim Stynes has passed away after a long battle with cancer.

The 45-year-old died at his home in Melbourne surrounded by his family and friends, including his wife Sam and children Matisse and Tiernan.

Stynes, who played 264 games with Melbourne and remains the only player recruited outside Australia to win the Brownlow Medal, revealed in July 2009 that he was being treated for a rare melanoma on his spine.

A tireless charity worker, Stynes also received recognition as an accomplished author since his retirement from the game.

In a Facebook message, his wife wrote: "Jim Stynes' died on Tuesday the 20th of March at 8.20 am.

"Jim was pain free, dignified and peaceful.

"Matisse and Tiernan were present.

"Not surprisingly, in his last week of life Jim continued to defy the odds and lived his life to the fullest, attending the Melbourne vs Hawthorn football match, his son Tiernan's 7th Birthday celebration, The MFC Blazer Ceremony and a casual Friday night dinner at Toplinos in his much loved suburb St Kilda.

"In his final days Jim was immersed with insurmountable love and tenderness surrounded by his family and some close friends in the comfort of his own home.

"On behalf of Jim my heartfelt thanks to all those who have so generously cared for, guided and supported Jim throughout his challenging cancer battle.

"The list of people to thank reaches far and wide but for now I would like to make special mention of those that went far and beyond the call of duty, Dr Grant Macarthur from The Peter McCallum Centre, Dr Grahame Southwick from the Australian Institute of Plastic Surgery, Professor Jeffrey Rosenfeld from The Alfred Hospital, Dr Peter Sherwan from Freemasons Hospital and the team at Cabrini Palliative Home Care that combined with Jim's fighting spirit resulted in Jim's extended three year life journey.

"It is an incredibly sad time, however Jim in his passing, has made us see that in our grief that we can smile in our hearts for a beautiful man who will forever hold a special place in the hearts of many. Jim's lesson is that life was to be challenged and treasured."

Desperately sad.............what a man...............

A legend on and off the pitch. R.I.P