Star recruit Mitch Clark, who was recently presented with the No. 11 jumper worn by Stynes, broke down and had to be consoled by staff.

Melbourne co-captains Jack Grimes, 22, and Jack Trengove, 20, said the club would honour Stynes when they take on the Western Bulldogs in round four.

Trengove said Stynes was the most inspirational person he had ever met.

"You didn't think this day would come. It's very sad. I would like to acknowledge his family and close friends," he said.

The tribute match will be held in round four, giving family and friends time to grieve, he said.

"There was a time there a few years ago where the club needed someone to stand up and Jimmy took them on board ... he is the reason the club got out of the debt we were in. Now we need to honour that and keep his legacy going."

Grimes said Stynes saved the Melbourne Football Club.

"We owe him everything we have. We wouldn't be here without him."

"[He] pretty much dedicated his life to others. The amount of people he has touched along the way...[he was] a very selfless person."

Coming to terms with Stynes' death would be difficult, he said.

"I don't think we can comprehend the person he was and how hard this loss is going to be."

AFL chief executive Andrew Demetriou said he was considering an AFL community service award named after Stynes.

A caller phoned ABC radio station 774 and suggested the awards, and Demetriou later responded on air: "I think that's a pretty good idea".

"I can't say much, I'm just wondering if that fellow has been involved in some of our dialogue and discussions over the last few months."

He said the AFL would announce initiatives to honour Stynes.

"We are very conscious of the first few days in Jim's passing, times for tribute and reflection. At a point of time suggestions like the one your caller made and other things will be announced."