After multiple seasons with close finishes, Adam Leslie has claimed the first league best and fairest award in his stellar footballing career taking out the 2021 Ritchie Dunlop Memorial Medal.
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Leslie joined the Swifts in 2015, playing in the seniors across half-forward and in the midfield before deciding to act as the reserves assistant coach in 2021.
And it proved to be an inspired decision with Leslie putting together a dominant season for the Baggies.
In a tight finish Leslie claimed the medal polling 16 votes, in front of Kalkee's Brendan Hobbs with 15 votes.
After a day of work and more work on the farm, Leslie readied himself to watch the count on Tuesday night, with no expectations of a result.
"I went home to the farm after work and I knew the count was on, but I couldn't find it anywhere on Youtube," he said.
"A couple of mates said it was on Facebook and they were already halfway through the count.
"I got a hell of a shock when it came up round seven and I was in the lead.
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"I knew Hobbs from Kalkee was going to come home because I know his capabilities and the footballer he is.
"Then the final screen came up and it was shock more than anything else.
"Then the phone was going flat out after that.
"I had some family ring me and caught up with my Dad on Wednesday.
"He was wrapped. He didn't get to many games this year because of lockdown and he was disappointed in that way, but he was proud as punch."
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Leslie has played high-level football all across western Victoria including, being part of a premiership side in Ararat, and finishing in the top five of league best and fairest counts multiple times.
"I have come close a couple of times, but to actually win it, I don't think it has actually sunk in yet," he said.
"It is a huge honour and it is an individual honour, but you love to share it with your teammates.
"Committing every week to playing footy and being around your mates is a good outlet. I really enjoy the company I have around me and I love it here."
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