Yarrawonga football legend Xavier Leslie will become the first Pigeon to play 300 senior games for the club when he runs out this Sunday at Lonsdale Reserve Mulwala against Lavington.
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Xavier pulled up sore after last Saturday night’s twilight match at Albury to commence the 2021 Ovens and Murray season, after no games were played last year due to the coronavirus pandemic.
“I’ll be right to go, I’m feeling OK and the extra day of recovery will help. I hope we can put up a much better performance against ‘Lavy’ than against Albury,” he commented to the Yarrawonga Chronicle last Sunday about this Sunday’s milestone 300th appearance.
“It will be good to get it out of the way.” Xavier is happy seeing more players getting bigger totals of games which include Scott Oswald on 199 (back soon from injury) and Tyler Bonat also in his 190s.
Xavier doesn’t dwell on his own game but like all games he plays for the Pigeons, he gives his all, held his own last Saturday and his record is wonderful (see table, plus add some 130 goals he’s kicked).
“There have been lows and highs, but the highs outweigh the lows,” he said. “I’ve been fortunate – had a few injuries and health issues but compared to other blokes who have been sidelined for months or years, nothing serious.”
The 35-years-old’s obvious talent was recognised in 2002 when he was promoted from Yarrawonga Thirds to the seniors at aged 16-years. And he hasn’t looked back since, mastering the changes in football style.
“When I first started there were bigger bodies, heavily contested footy. Now it’s faster. You’ve got to be fit. A lot of possession game and more free flowing. There have been a lot of rule changes over the years,” Xavier said.
“A lot of changes also with our clubrooms being refurbished which are great. It’s fantastic having the corporate boxes. It’s a beautiful ground. I love the club, great people, great teammates past and present.”
He wears number 10 on his back. “When I first played seniors, I wore number fifty. As a kid you couldn’t care less because you were in the side. When I came back (from boarding school) it became number four for two seasons and then it became number ten. A lot of champions wore that number including Neil Davis who I admired so much.
“I always wanted number ten eventually – it’s been in the family with uncles and Pop (Carlton Brownlow Medallist John James).”
The work undertaken by trainers was specifically mentioned by Xavier. “I’ve always appreciated the trainers, always admired the trainers, all volunteers, all great people working two nights a week at training then on match day,” he said.
The involvement of record-serving, 18-year past president Glenn Brear in the club’s success was referred to by Xavier who said ‘Wally’s’ award of O and M Life Membership this year was testament to his passion and achievements at Pigeonland.
Glenn Brear said Xavier has stood the test of time. “He’s been immoveable from when he started and he hasn’t altered. What he’s achieved has been outstanding – a model of consistency – and whatever accolades and awards he’s received have been so well deserved.”
In 2018, Xavier passed Ken (Pascoe) Ellis’s record of 265 games and the late, great defender wanted his broken by Xavier as he admired everything about him.
Yarrawonga Football Netball Club President Ross Mulquiney described as “an outstanding achievement” of the real estate agent Xavier to chalk up 300 senior games in the O and M.
“Xavier’s career with the Pigeons has been a driving force behind the club’s greatest ever period. Starting as a schoolboy in 2002 in the first eighteen before heading to boarding school at Melbourne Grammar, his return in 2005 was a catalyst to a finals run from 2006 to 2018 which included seven grand-final appearances and three premierships,” Mr Mulquiney said.
“However it is not only his courageous play and consistent high-level performance, even more important are Xavier’s off-field qualities: hard-working, durable, honest and ever-reliable. Further, it is no surprise that these traits are the hall marks of his professional conduct at Elders Real Estate.”In great news for all Pigeon supporters, Xavier’s influence at Pigeonland will continue for the foreseeable future.
He wants to be a one club player. “It’s too early to know about next season – I want to get through as much of this season as I can – but I will be at the club in some capacity for years to come,” the brilliant onballer said.
In the meantime, as today’s president said: “The Pigeons wish their superstar all the best for Sunday. We could neither be prouder nor luckier to have had such a fine man and family as part of the fabric of the club.”
Xavier Leslie… career snapshot
2002 from thirds to seniors, at age 16
2005, 2008 best and fairest awards
2013 O&M Morris Medallist
2006, 2012, 2013 Premiership player
2013 Life Member
O&M representative in four carnivals
2007 VCFL representative
299 senior games