Neil Coster is an institution at the Footscray Hockey Club after 51 seasons protecting the goals. 81771 Picture: MATHEW LYNN
By LIAM TWOMEY
IT TAKES a lot to get one past Footscray Hockey Club’s Neil Coster.
Not even a broken leg could stop the dedicated clubman from manning the last line of defence.
The tough-as-nails goalkeeper sustained the injury early in his career during a match against Waverley.
While his protective pads “kept everything in place” Coster continued to deflect shots at will.
Even after the final whistle there was no mad dash to a hospital.
Instead, Coster just put some ice on his leg and went home. Only when he was in bed that night and heard a constant clicking that he thought something might be wrong.
But it is all just part of the game the 63-year-old said.
With an attitude like that it’s no wonder he celebrated his 1000th game for Footscray on Wednesday night.
Having initially been introduced to hockey by his brother 51 years ago, the man of the moment said the sport had undergone some serious changes since then.
“My brother pulled up one time and said I’m going down to look at hockey and I followed him,” he said.
“We used to play down at Footscray Park and run up and down the hills there.
“The rules have changed a lot since then. There is no off-side or rolling in from the sidelines. The game has really progressed in leaps and bounds.”
Equipment has also revolutionised Coster’s position in front of goals.
“Now you’ve got helmets and chest pads. You never used to use any of that stuff. You would be lucky to wear a glove half the time.
“The only bad part about it was your pads were like cricket pads so on a Friday you would clean them and make them nice and white and then by the Saturday they would be covered in mud and dirty again.
“I still don’t wear half the equipment that most of the goalies wear anyway.
“It’s just what I’m used to. I think the other stuff can be a bit restrictive.”
Coster’s love of hockey extends further that just playing. He has also been a member of Footscray’s committee for more than 40 years, including 25 years as president.
Current president Brendan Sheehan said it was a stunning achievement.
“Playing 1000 matches doesn’t happen in too many sports. Goalkeepers take a battering and he is pretty freakish to be still playing,” he said.
“He is typical of that generation. They are very committed to the cause and since his retirement from the workforce he has put many hours in.”
Coster has no plans to slow down either and still harbours aspirations to represent Australia in the over 55 age group – again.
“I’ll keep going until I can’t play anymore and then I will mostly still hang around and do bits and pieces in the game as well.”
