Well known for his exploits on the football field, North Melbourne defender Jamie Macmillan is doing just as much off it.

To recognise his work away from the bright lights,  Macmillan received the 2019 Peter Scanlon Community Award for his outstanding work in the community.

Awarded to a North person who has exemplified the spirit of giving and going ‘the extra mile’, Macmillan was deemed a worthy winner after he travelled to Yuendumu, Northern Territory with Red Dust; an organisation that focuses on educating indigenous communities about the connection between lifestyle choices and chronic diseases.

The week Macmillan spent with the community has inspired him to stay involved.   

Closer to home, he helped design and deliver The Huddle’s True North program.

A values based program, which can be delivered in the classroom, at The Huddle, or online, True North uses real life stories of professional athletes to help young people explore what matters most to them.

Macmillan shaped, and then attended the inaugural program, and every month spent hours alongside fellow North athletes and young people exploring what True North would look like.

“Jamie has done a power of work in the community space,” Cameron McLeod, GM community engagement, told North Media.

“This award not only acknowledges his work this year, but also the years of work he’s put in to our local communities, The Huddle, and reconciliation.

“As a footballer you need to be hardworking, resilient, and a team player, but these skills translate off the field as well.

“Jamie has always been a team player. He cares about those around him, and he recognises his responsibility as a professional athlete to be a role model, and help others.”