But before then he’d enjoyed a glittering playing career. He was an outstanding ruckman/forward and much admired leader whose on-field career spanned 18 years. He started as a centre half-forward, where he played in the back-to-back flags of 1935-36. He later moved into the ruck, where he won three successive Copeland Trophies. He was a great palmer of the ball, expert at shepherding and adept at bringing the smaller players around him into the game.
Later, as coach, he tasted premiership success in 1953 as well as 1958. Just as importantly, he also won the respect of those who played under him, and those who coached against him. Kyne was one of the most highly regarded men in football, renowned as a fine and fair sportsman, and a wonderful ambassador for the Collingwood Football Club.
Career Statistics
1915-1985
Career Span: 1934-44, 1946-1950
Games: 245
Goals: 237
Position: centre half forward, ruck
Honours: Copeland Trophy 1946, 1947, 1948; Runner-up Copeland trophy 1938, 1939, 1949; 3rd Copeland Trophy 1936; Captain 1942, 1946-1949; Vice-Captain 1940, 1941; Coach 1950-1963; Life member
Phonse Kyne was inducted to the Collingwood Football Club Hall of Fame in 2002.
