Club honours Coyne 40 years on

A former Railways Football Club star has become possibly the oldest recipient of a league fairest and best medal after being recognised as the club’s best player nearly 40 years on.

Alwyn Coyne was awarded the Railways 1978 league fairest and best medal he won in a tie with teammate Rick Hockey at the club’s recent 2017 awards presentation on September 22.

After final votes were counted in 1978, Coyne and Hockey were tied on equal votes.

Hockey won the medal on a countback because he had recorded more three votes in the 3-2-1 voting system.

In 1978, Railways held the view it was the club’s prerogative to apply the countback system and Coyne accepted he was the runner-up.

But after recent meetings between the club’s committee and the Coyne and Hockey families, it was decided to award a retrospective medal, which was accepted by a humble Coyne.

Current Railways president Andrew Want said the awarding of the medal to Coyne by his former teammate Hockey was a special event for the club.

“The club has recognised this opportunity to acknowledge Alwyn for his fine contribution to the club,” he said.

“The club’s history books and commemorative honour board will also reflect this distinction.”

At the awards presentation, both players said they were humbled to finally share the medal .

“I will possibly be the oldest fairest and best winner in the history of Australian Rules Football,” Coyne said.

“At the age of 60, I hope they don’t ask me to play another season.”