The Koroit stalwart was unaware of his induction when The Standard called him yesterday.

“They’ll let any Tom, Dick or Harry in,” he joked.

“It’s a big honour. I am very happy. I am rapt to be there. On the criteria I am a bit surprised to be there.”

Mahony, 49, was awarded life membership at the HFNL’s annual general meeting on Monday night.

There was debate about whether he qualified because he had fallen short of the 250-senior game criteria. 

Mahony joined Koroit in 1984 and played 228 senior games and 197 reserves matches for the Saints.

New South Warrnambool president Jock O’Connor argued he was a worthy recipient.

“There wouldn’t be many 400-plus game members of the Hampden league,” he said.

Mahony was awarded life membership after a unanimous vote. Koroit president Alistair McCosh and secretary Tim McNally nominated Mahony for the honour.

The Warrnambool-based stock agent’s decorated career included the 1996 Maskell Medal — the first Koroit player to do so — and the 2000 Lew Kelly Medal for reserves best and fairest.

A premiership player at the Saints, Mahony, who retired after winning a reserves flag in 2010, still plays a key role at the club.

He’s been the club’s recruiting manager for eight years and on its committee for seven years.