When Fremantle star Nat Fyfe accepted his first Brownlow medal in 2015, he sat next to former coach and long-time mentor Ross Lyon.

Last night the Dockers skipper became just the 15th player to win the AFL’s top individual honour multiple times, when he took out the 2019 award – but one thing was noticeably different this time around.

“The hardest part was the press conference post-accepting the Brownlow Medal,” Fyfe admitted on 6PR this morning.

“Last time I sat next to Rossy and we waxed on the year that was and he wasn't there this time, I sat there alone.

Camera Icon Ross Lyon, Senior Coach of the Dockers is pictured with Brownlow Medal winner Nat Fyfe of the Dockers during the 2015 Brownlow Medal. Credit: AFL Media

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“So I rang him immediately after that. He's a man that doesn't cry very often but he had a few tears in his eyes.”

The man who became notorious for his clichés and ability to show little to no emotion throughout his second stint as an AFL coach, couldn’t hide his emotion after Fyfe’s victory last night.

“Our relationship is incredibly strong, forged through some of the fiercest times over the last couple of years,” Fyfe said.

“He and his wife Kirsty are going to play a role in my life for many years to come."

The 28-year-old used his acceptance speech to pay tribute to the man he’s played 75 per cent of his senior footy under, who was sensationally sacked by Fremantle earlier this season with a year still to run on his contract.

“I won a Brownlow while playing for him and now a second,” Fyfe said on stage.

Camera Icon Nat Fyfe of the Dockers poses for a photo after winning the Brownlow Medal during the 2019 Brownlow Medal Count. Credit: via Getty Images

“I caught up with him last weekend, we had a couple of beers. He is not lost to the footy world.

“He will be back, I’ve got no doubt.”

Fyfe polled 33 votes, prevailing over Geelong’s Patrick Dangerfield (27), Brisbane’s Lachie Neale and Carlton’s Patrick Cripps (26 each).