however, he later damaged his knee in a club game in August of that year. His movement was severely hampered but he was still selected as a substitute for the All-Ireland final against Offaly. Spillane was brought on with only a few minutes left in the match and he captured his fifth All-Ireland winners' medal on the field of play as Kerry won by 1–12 to 0–8. Spillane played sporadically for Kerry in 1982 as the team attempted to capture an unprecedented fifth All-Ireland medal in-a-row. He played no part in Kerry's eighth consecutive Munster final victory over Cork, however, he did return for a second consecutive All-Ireland final against Offaly. Kerry had the upper hand for much of the game and were leading by two points with two minutes left to be played. The game, however, was not over as Offaly substitute Séamus Darby, who had entered the game almost unnoticed, produced the most spectacular of finishes by scoring a late goal. Kerry failed to score again to level the match and Offaly went on to win their third All-Ireland title ever. Kerry's five-in-a-row dream was shattered. Spillane played no part in the 1983 championship as he was recovering from an operation on his snapped cruciate ligament. While many players would never play again following such an injury Spillane fought his way back to fitness in time to win his second National League medal and his eighth Munster title in 1984. The centenary-year All-Ireland final pitted Kerry against old rivals and reigning champions Dublin. 'The Kingdom' dominated the game from start to finish. Only two Dublin forwards scored as Kerry ran out easy winners by 0–14 to 1–6. It was Spillane's sixth All-Ireland winners' medal. Kerry made no mistake again in 1985. A two-goal victory over Cork gave Spillane a ninth Munster winners' medal. Another All-Ireland final beckoned, with Dublin providing the opposition for a second consecutive year. Jack O'Shea scored a key goal after eleven minutes and Kerry stormed to a nine-point lead at half-time. 'The Dubs' came storming back with Joe McNally scoring two goals. The gap could not be bridged and Kerry won by 2–1 to 2–8. The victory gave Spillane a record-equalling seventh All-Ireland winners' medal. In 1986 Kerry's dominance showed no sign of disappearing. Cork fell again in the provincial final, giving Spillane a tenth Munster title. A tenth All-Ireland final appearance quickly followed