Jimmy Bartel
The inspiring AFL player from Geelong Football Club
Having played over 280 games, Jimmy Bartel shines as one of the most decorated AFL players today with three premiership wins, a Brownlow Medal and a Norm Smith Medal. He has also been named All Australian twice.
In 2001, Jimmy was drafted to the Geelong Football Club after playing with the Geelong Falcons U18. He was quick to show his potential on the field, going on to be nominated for the NAB Rising Star award in his debut year. Since then, he continues to demonstrate his unique ability to play in a number of positions on the ground, and is known for being a relentless competitor that dominates the big games.
By 2006, Jimmy built a name for himself as one of the elite midfielders in the AFL. He played a key role in helping secure Geelong’s Grand Final win in 2007, their first premiership since 1963. With his incredible teamwork and athletic talent, Geelong FC enjoyed tremendous success, scoring another two premierships in 2009 and 2011.
In recognition of his contributions, Jimmy was awarded the Brownlow Medal in 2007 and the Norm Smith Medal in 2011.
Jimmy is regularly sought after for his charisma and AFL insight, having appeared on media programs like The Footy Show and Game Day. He has also written for leading Australian newspapers like The Age, The Herald Sun and Geelong Advertiser.
Jimmy has been the face of L’Oreal Men Expert, an ambassador for premium brands like Essendon Ford and Adidas, and has also appeared in promotional campaigns for Witchery Man, The Iconic, Brando Shoes and Shoreditch.
Off the field, Jimmy studied a business degree and completed an Executive Management course with the AFL. He has gone on to work part-time at a consultancy firm as an associate, and was also elected to the AFLPA board in 2014.
Jimmy launched the Face Up To Domestic Violence campaign in 2016 to support the Luke Batty Foundation and Bethany. He has also worked closely with Red Dust Role Models, and is a committed ambassador for a range of children’s charities, including Challenge and Cottage by the Sea.