NORTH Albury’s longest serving skipper Dan Leslie has stood down after eight seasons at the helm.
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The Hopper star said yesterday the time was right to hand over the reins as the Ovens and Murray’s youngest list continues to rebuild under coach Jason Akermanis.
Leslie has held the position since taking over from Mark Hilton in 2007.
“I probably can’t commit to training as much I would like to these days and as captain you want to be there most of the time,” he said.
“I think it’s right that I step back and give someone else a go.
“I have had a fair run at it.
“It’s been good.”
Vice-captain David Miles filled in for Leslie when the All-Australian was out injured last season and looks the logical replacement at Bunton Park.
“Everyone looks up to him,” Leslie said.
“He’s done it before and did a good job.
“We were young last year and will be even younger this season.
“I’m the oldest and David Miles is probably next at 26 or 27.”
Leslie, 32, has played 234 matches for North Albury and is closing in on club games record-holder and fellow club legend Stan Sargeant (289).
But the long-time O and M representative said the Hoppers’ record was well out of his reach.
“250 might pull me up,” he said.
“I won’t be going anywhere though.
“Once I’m done at North that will do me.
“I have no real aspirations to go to the bush.”
North Albury will rely on its youth to return to finals action after being quiet in the recruiting stakes.
The Hoppers’ prospects will depend heavily on whether young guns Isaac Muller and Mitch Mahady stay at the club.