NORTH Albury legend Stan Sargeant’s annual northern sojourn has limited him to watching Dan Leslie play a couple of matches a season since 1999.
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But that’s been enough.
The Ovens and Murray’s all-time leading goalkicker is an unabashed Leslie fan and couldn’t be happier to see him join the 250 Club when he runs out against Yarrawonga at J.C. Lowe Oval today.
“Dan Leslie’s been a champion,” Sargeant said yesterday.
“I haven’t been in Albury for the winter for the past 16 years but I usually see Dan play two or three games before I head off and he’s been fantastic.
“He’s been a great footballer over a long time.
“North Albury’s been fortunate to have had a leader like him.
“I don’t know if he’s had other offers but loyalty is a great thing.”
Sargeant is North Albury’s games record-holder with 289 appearances and Leslie will become only the second Hopper to break the 250-match milestone when he lines up against Yarrawonga
Leslie says he’s humbled to be mentioned in the same breath as Sargeant.
“Stan’s been the best player North has had,” he said.
“It’s an honour to join a legend like him in playing 250 games.”
While Leslie has played the bulk of his career in defence, the 32-year-old has had no problems being used on-ball in recent seasons.
But he admits it was a shock to the system when coach Jason Akermanis asked him to play in the ruck three years ago.
“It doesn’t really worry me where I play,” Leslie said.
“I would say I have only played forward permanently for about four years and mainly at centre half-back.
“It was a bit of a shock when ‘Aker’ used me as a pinch-hitter in the ruck a few years ago as I must admit I never saw myself as a ruckman at six foot two and a half.
“I have been in there lately and don’t mind it.”
Leslie, who debuted against Wangaratta in 2000, has seen many stars come and go at Bunton Park but rates former coach and teammate Travis Hodgson as the biggest influence on his career.
“He was captain when I was growing up and was always there for me,” he said.
“I really respect him.
“I get on well with ‘Aker’ too but Travis Hodgson has probably had the biggest influence on my football.”
Leslie believes North Albury is best placed to challenge since Hodgson led the club into the Ovens and Murray finals in 2010.
“To play finals with such a young side is great,” he said.
“It’s the best shape we have been in for a while.”
