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Stynes was in attendance as Ireland beat Australia in the first test of the International Rules series last week. INPHO/James Crombie

WATCH: Jim Stynes talks about his struggle with cancer

The legendary Irish ex-AFL star continues to defy doctors’ predictions that his death is imminent.

LEGENDARY AUSTRALIAN RULES footballer Jim Stynes believes he has turned a corner in his fight with cancer.

The 45-year-old was diagnosed with a brain tumour in 2009 and doctors told him he would be lucky to survive a year.

In an interview with Melbourne radio station 3AW, Stynes spoke of this difficult period, saying:

“I sometimes think I’m a bit oblivious – and I think that’s a good thing. I was told I would be lucky to get past a year and it’s been two and a half – coming up on three.”

Meanwhile, his wife Sam described how Stynes continues to surprise carers with his resilience. She explained:

“I think Jim’s still surprising our oncologist, carers and nurses – there were several times where you think, ‘will Jim get through this?’”

The Dubliner gained legendary status in the AFL, scoring 130 goals in 264 games for the Melbourne Demons, in a career that spanned 11 years.

In pictures: Ireland’s International Rules tourists hit Surfers Paradise>

Read: Red Hand greats Jordan and McGuigan bow out>

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7 Comments
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    Mute Steve Crowley
    Favourite Steve Crowley
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    Nov 2nd 2011, 12:29 PM

    Jim Stynes is an absolute legend and an inspiration to all of us that have lost someone to a terminal illness ,we all should be proud of him…

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    Mute Marguerite Hoiby
    Favourite Marguerite Hoiby
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    Nov 2nd 2011, 1:03 PM

    Inspirational, brave, modest, courageous, honest, words cannot describe this true gentle man.
    What he achieved on the football field is nothing in comparision to what he has achieved since he retired from footy.
    Such as his Reach Foundation which has saved many hundreds of teenagers, many of them now ‘high profile’ productive Aussie adults.
    But his fight with cancer has been something else to see how he faces the fight of his life with such courage.

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    Mute Tony O Donnell
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    Nov 2nd 2011, 2:25 PM

    Seen a documentary about him a couple of years ago. The man is an inspiration to all. Hope he keeps winning his battle

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    Mute Eamonn Clancy
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    Nov 2nd 2011, 12:09 PM

    11 years in Australia and he’s lost his accent? What a sponge.

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    Mute Trev heff
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    Nov 2nd 2011, 12:32 PM

    He’s there 25 years.u sponge;-)

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    Mute Marguerite Hoiby
    Favourite Marguerite Hoiby
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    Nov 2nd 2011, 1:06 PM

    You really are a piece of work, you know, an absolute Richard Cranium.
    In fact Jim Stynes hasn’t lost his accent ,it may not be as strong as he has only lived there for 25 yrs – moron.

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    Mute B OMor
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    Nov 3rd 2011, 12:31 PM

    Saw a picture of him on TV in the pub and i feared the worst. Thrilled to hear hes getting through it still. Great fighter.

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