Two years ago, she clinched the footy tipping title at Mercy Health Bethlehem Home for the Aged with a score of 140 points.

The 95-year-old was today announced as the competition’s champion for a third time, with 143 points to her name.

Scores were high across the board at the centre in Golden Square this year.

Three people placed fifth, with 129 points – a score greater than that of last year’s competition winner.

There was a tie for fourth place, with two residents scoring 133 points apiece, and three bronze medallists.

Last year’s winner, Dorothy Hulls, was among those in third place.

There was a single silver medallist, with 137 points, and Mrs Coates had no equal for first.

She seemed surprised, but pleased, as the centre staff placed a faux gold medal around her neck.

“The best thing that happens to me is when the football is on,” Mrs Coates said.

Being blind, she studies the game through the medium of sound.

Mrs Coates said she would learn about the competition before she submitted her tips each week, committing to memory details like who was playing in each side and what their form was like.

But if she had an inkling of which team would win the AFL Grand Final on Saturday, she wasn’t letting up.

“I think Collingwood is capable of doing anything if they put their mind to it,” Mrs Coates said.

Initially a North Melbourne supporter, she has been a Pies fan for 70 years.

Mrs Coates said she was surrounded by Collingwood supporters when she was living on a station, after she married.

“All they did was talk football,” she said.

Have you signed up to the Bendigo Advertiser's daily newsletter and breaking news emails? You can register below and make sure you are up to date with everything that's happening in central Victoria.