Career
Byrne will be remembered as one of the most unfortunate players in the history of VFL/American Federation of Labor-Congress football, as he turned out for two clubs in four Grand Finals, only to be on the losing side in each one of them (1973, 1979, 1980, 1981). Pre VFL At the age of 19 Byrne played in Golden Square"s 1972 Bendigo Football League Premiership side, as well as representing Bendigo Football League at Inter-League level alongside future player Kevin Sheehan, before joining who recruited him out of their residential zone. At he went on to play 81 games from 1973 until his final game against Hawthorn in Round 6, 1978.
Byrne took out "s "Best First Year Player" award and appeared in a Grand Final in his debut season.
He wanted to join Melbourne however it was who made a deal with, trading a "Form Four" in exchange for Byrne, that went on to use to sign Robbert Klomp. Ray made his debut in Round 14, 1978.
1980 turned out to be a stand out season for Byrne who represented Victoria at state level, he also went on to finish second in "s best and fairest claiming the Reality Therapy Rush Trophy, as well as winning the clubs "Most Determined Player" award. As the teams lined up for the first bounce, Byrne reached down into his sock, stood up, and presented the balding Tiger star with a toothless comb! Bartlett was amused, but not distracted.
Before 1984 season Byrne had initially retired from VFL Football and had moved to live in However, after receiving a phone call from his former coach Tom Hafey, who was by now coaching, he had a change of heart.
Byrne asked and received a clearance to where he went on to play the final 17 games of his career. Post VFL After retiring from VFL Football, Byrne coached Drysdale to the 1985 Bellarine Doctorate.F.L. premiership. Byrne is currently in his final season (2015) as Regional Manager of the Bendigo Pioneers, having also previously held the same position at Gippsland Power.
