Australian Football

Port Adelaide recruited Martin Leslie from Ethelton and he made his SANFL debut in 1981. After playing just four games in his first season, he developed into a regular from 1982, with his tough, resolute, unflinching style being in total accord with the Magpie ethos. He was at centre half back in the 1984 Grand Final loss to Norwood, and on a half back flank, and close to best afield, in the 12.12 (84) to 8.7 (55) win over Glenelg in the flag decider four years later. He won Port's best and fairest award in 1986, and was a regular state of origin and state league representative for South Australia. He was one of the home state's best players at the 1988 bicentennial carnival in Adelaide, and was rewarded with All Australian selection.

Initially drafted to Brisbane in 1986 (he was actually the club's first draft choice), Leslie deferred making the move until the end of the 1988 season, by which time he had played 150 SANFL games, plus several for Waratahs in the Darwin competition, and was a ready made, high quality VFL footballer. In seven seasons with the Bears he played 107 senior games, winning a club best and fairest award (jointly with David Bain) in 1990. Injuries later in his career restricted his appearances, and saw him play several games in the state league with West Brisbane, but when selected for the Bears he could always be guaranteed to give one hundred per cent effort, and to make a worthwhile contribution to the team cause.

Author - John Devaney