Pigeon Kylie Leslie to celebrate 200th A-grade game with Yarrawonga

The Corryong born netball star opted to become a Pigeon- a decision which now sees her playing her 200^th A-grade game this weekend against Myrtleford.

"I turned up at a training session at Yarrawonga and I knew straight away that it was the club I wanted to play with," Leslie said.

The skilled defender is the first to admit she's been lucky to be a part of the club's most successful years, racking up five A-grade premierships, one B-grade flag and four club best and fairest awards along the way.

It became a family affair on court for the Tyrell girls, with Kylie playing alongside her sister Steph in four of the club's premierships.

But one of her biggest highlights was sharing the experience with Steph and their youngest sister Ange.

"To have all three of us in the same side and to be able to share it with your sisters is pretty special," she said.

"I was always so glad to have Steph on my team because we were in pretty safe hands with her shooting."

She also looks back on the Pigeon's 2009 A-grade flag fondly.

"We'd played in two losing grand finals prior to that, so winning that first one was a great relief and just an amazing feeling."

The family connection to the club doesn't end there, with her husband Xavier also a long-time Pigeon.

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The pair have been together since they were 19 and now have three children, Lily, Jimmy and Annie, who can be found cheering their parents on.

Xavier also celebrated a major milestone this season after reaching his 300^th game.

While he's in the lead when it comes to matches played, there's one area Kylie has him covered- premierships.

"I can take bragging rights there," she said.

"I don't beat Xave in anything really, but I have him in the premiership side of things.

"He's played in three and I've topped him with five."

Leslie's dedication and talent was recognised in 2019 when she was selected in the Ovens and Murray's Team of the Past 25 years alongside fellow Pigeons Tracy Gillies, Kaitlyn Cummins and sister Steph.

"It was very special," she said.

"I couldn't believe that I'd be considered in that sort of a team.

"There's been so many unbelievable players play in the league before me, so I was honoured and humbled to have been picked."

She credits former coach Tracy Gillies for setting the club up for prolonged success.

"I'm forever indebted to her for her knowledge and everything she's taught me over the years," Leslie said.

"She's had a huge impact on not only me, but a lot of people at the club.

"I also wouldn't have been able to play this many games without my parents (Anne and Maurie) and Xav's parents' (Rod and Maryanne) help."

Leslie is enjoying being back on court after two seasons away from netball.

In the last 10 years she's played four seasons between juggling injury and the birth of her children.

She hopes to stay in the Pigeon colours for a while longer.

"I'll play for as long as I can and as long and I'm contributing," she said.

"I've been pretty lucky to be part of such a successful era at the club and I'll be forever grateful."

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