http://www.melbournefc.com.au/news/newsart...43/default.aspx

I guess we can assume it's prostate cancer or a tumor of some sort, both of which can be cured with surgery and the recovery is only 6-8 weeks.

http://www.melbournefc.com.au/news/newsart...43/default.aspx

It is good he is remaining president, if he was removing himself completely it would probably mean a far more serious illness.

Geez I hope he's okay.

Please don't shoot the messenger.

I have heard through a close friend that he has cancer in his lower back which has spread to his legs and neck. It started as a cyst and spread from there. The good news is that they have caught it early.

Although this is horrible news, lets hope he recovers quickly.

watch Jim Stynes' press conference live now:

http://media.smh.com.au/live-jim-stynes-presser-613961.html

Listening live on SEN now - pleased to hear the majority of the team list is their to support him.

Gosh, he is quite emotional as he starts.

Fair enough that he doesn't want to share whats wrong with him.

Saying 3 weeks ago had lump in his back. Had it removed and confirmed that it was cancerous. Loads of tests and scans and they've found it has spread quite a bit.

Please don't shoot the messenger.

I have heard through a close friend that he has cancer in his lower back which has spread to his legs and neck. It started as a cyst and spread from there. The good news is that they have caught it early.

Although this is horrible news, lets hope he recovers quickly.

After seeing the EJ Whitten game with David Parkin talking, now this with Jimmy, I'm going to go for a check up.

Fair enough that he doesn't want to share whats wrong with him.

No he is actually going through it all, explaining what is going on - in typical Jimmy fashion - always up front and honest.

Saying now he is not stepping down, not walking away but needs to take the rest of the season off to concentrate on this and his family.

Very emotional talking about his kids. This is so sad........askiing people to respect their privacy.

I thinks its a good reminder to have a checkup.

Got to love the guy - Get well soon Jim! can't wait to see you back behind the goals!

Being very vague about specifics, which to me is a little bit scary.

All the best Jimmy. A huge fight ahead for you.

He is an amazing man and has such a positive outlook on life. If anyone can beat the big C, Jimmy can.

heart breaking, just heart breaking. I'm worried at how serious it just might be but i believe big Jimmy could beat anything.

Our club has the worst luck.

Best Wishes Big Fella

First post updated with info.

No he is actually going through it all

Maybe you listened to a different press conference to me and AzzKika.

He specifically said he would not go into the diagnosis and didn't offer any specific details.

This is just terrible news. I am gutted.

Jim will get through this. He will.

Very emotional watching the press conference, especially when he talked about his kids. My own dad died of cancer when I was 4. He was just 30. It can strike down the fittest and strongest. Like others have said, it's a good reminder to have a check up.

You're one of the clubs greatest Jim. Get well big fella. We'll see you when you get back.

Fair enough that he doesn't want to share whats wrong with him.

I was responding to this remark. He was discussing what was wrong at this stage and it was not until later on that he said he won't go into specifics. I think he has been very brave and very honest in what he said today. It is not really any of our business to know the exact details.

He is an extraordinary man.

This sounds a lot more serious than they are letting on, and more than anything I hope Jimmy makes a full and quick recovery.

He has been a brilliant front man for our club, and his work (and that of his board) over the past year or so has been significant on so many levels.

I honestly don't know where our club would be today if it wasn't for him and the board.

My thoughts are with him and his family, and hopefully he'll be back with the club before we know it!

P.S.- screw you Football Gods, just give us a break

Sounds pretty bad. If anyone can beat it, it is Jimmy.

Depressing to hear, but I wish him and his family the best and I hope the media do stay away from him.

Shocking news!

I add my best wishes to Jim, his family and the Club. I watched in awe as Jim played through 244 consecutive games. I hope to watch him "play through this!"

All of the websites are listing Jim's achievements so I won't repeat them. His most recent achievements are worth highlighting though. He's been the most productive, inclusive far-sighted president that we've had in my memory. I've followed the Club for >40 years.

Get well Jim! We need you! You have to be there to oversee that string of premierships from 2014 onwards.

Depressing to hear, but I wish him and his family the best and I hope the media do stay away from him.

very depressing, go Jimmy , we love you very much, you are one of the greatest DEMONS

I was responding to this remark. He was discussing what was wrong at this stage and it was not until later on that he said he won't go into specifics. I think he has been very brave and very honest in what he said today. It is not really any of our business to know the exact details.

I know what you were responding to and agree that there's no obligation for him to share details.

I simply stated that Azz was right - he was vague about what was wrong with him.

Get well soon Jimma - you need to be our president when we win our next flag!

If he approaches this illness with the same fierce determination that he has shown both on an off the field the big "C" doesn't stand a chance!