Leslie kicked three goals and was named the Hoppers’ best in the 18.17 (125) to 11.8 (74) win over Corowa-Rutherglen on Saturday.

“Josh Lloyd took a mark in the goal square with about a minute to go, 20m out by himself and passed it back to Dan, and ‘Les’ got the goal and all the boys got around him and that was his final kick,” co-coach Clint Gilson said.

The 35-year-old was handed a roving commission by the coaching staff and, in a unique move highlighting his enormous respect in the club, he picked the team.

“He wanted to pick the 20 players he wanted as a part of his 300^th game,” Gilson said.

“He deserved that honour.”

Leslie became the club’s first 300-gamer in its 81-year history.

Former team-mate Brandon Ryan and ex-club president Mark Cronin spoke before the game, while his wife Karli presented him with his jumper.

The teams then formed a guard of honour as he ran through the banner.

After the match, league chairman David Sinclair spoke, along with an emotional Gilson, while Leslie also delivered his final address.

Leslie’s resume is comparable with any player in the league, including an eight-year stint with the VCFL, while he’s also the club’s longest-serving captain (2008-15).

The three-time best and fairest also broke Stan Sargeant’s club games record of 289 in round two.

A knee injury on Anzac Day threatened to derail Leslie’s hopes of reaching the magic milestone, but his devotion to fitness played a key role in returning early.

The match itself took a back seat, with North opening a 26-point break at half-time.

The home team then kept the Roos goalless in the third quarter, before ramming six in an 11-goal final term.

Former Hume League player Will McGrath equalled his season-high three goals, while Lloyd landed the same number.

Apart from Leslie, ruckman-forward Isaac Muller, Rory Feltwell, McGrath, David Miles and Mitch Mahady also played well.

Roos’ Tyler Spencer and Brendan Morris kicked three goals each, with Hayden Filliponi, Jack Schilg and Dylan Cook their best.

The club finished with three victories after two winless seasons.

North improved with seven wins and a draw, just two wins out of the five.