THE Leedham surname has become synonymous with the Illaroo Football Club over the past few decades.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
So it comes as little surprise it was one of their family members, Sam, who recently brought up his 600th senior game in the red, white and green.
Peter Leedham has been stalwart with the Roos for many years, with his sons Sam and Joey and cousins Dan and Evan also playing major roles on the field - while many other family members, including Martin's wife Kym (who is a life member), have been heavily involved in the club too.
Sam's love affair with the club started when he laced up the boots for the first time at age five.
"All members of my family were playing already [for the club] and I couldn't wait," Leedham said.
"Every Saturday I'd be up, playing kit on and ready to go well before it was time to leave."
This marked the first of his seasons with the junior club, which he continued until the end of Premier League (under 15-17s) on a Wednesday night.
It was during these later years, when he turned 15 in 1996, that he transitioned into grade football.
"My father, Peter, began coaching the senior men that year and he would take me to training with him, so I joined in and started playing third grade on Saturday's too," he said.
That debut started the now 38-year-old's senior career with Illaroo - which has included many highs and lows, one being the 2008 Shoalhaven District Football Association first grade premiership.
"My career highlight would without a doubt be the 2008 grand final which we won," he said.,
"We ended up playing on Sunday, which was Father's Day, at Shoalhaven Heads (Vic Zealand Oval) as the game got rained out on the Saturday.
"I can almost remember that game, play by play until half-time.
"Unfortunately, I broke my leg a few minutes before half-time which obviously ended my game, and resulted in surgery and a new piece of titanium.
"I've been pretty lucky over my years and hadn't had too many injuries which caused me to miss more than a game or two, but this put me out for 10 months.
"You don't realise how much being physically involved means to you until you can't do it for a long period.
"It takes its toll physically, mentally and financially - so this game definitely stands out as memorable in more ways than one."
During his tenure, Leedham has also won a number of reserve grade premierships for the club.
"Those reserve grade premierships are fond memories for me too, but I've always been of the opinion that we all should strive to play the highest grade possible - so a first grade premiership was always a goal for me," he said.
"And I was fortunate enough to be a part of a team that could achieve that.
"I say fortunate as I've seen some brilliant players, who have way more talent than me, who have just missed out on securing that elusive title, so I realise how lucky I am."
On August 31, Leedham brought up his 600th game for the club, when he played against St Georges Basin at Sharman Park.
"It was pretty special seeing what they organised for me on the day," he said.
"I had no clue, so that meant a lot - I've always wanted to run through a big banner.
"I'm proud of it, of course, but really I feel privileged that I've been able to be a part of that many."
Upon reflection on his time at the club, the Nowra High School alumnus acknowledges how much the club has changed over the past 34 years.
"The growth [at the club] has been amazing," he said.
"Seeing more kids and adults involved, year after year is sensational.
"It's a testament to the people involved in the years past.
"My father has been on the committee for years helping the other members to achieve this, which is why I chose to join in and help continue it on."
In the same breath, Leedham appreciates how the club shaped him into the person he is today.
"Being involved in a club like Illaroo has enabled me to watch some brilliant players that I've learnt a hell of a lot off as a player," he said.
"I've been lucky enough to play alongside some of the best players to play down here over the years, and they all have their own ways of doing things - you take that all in.
"The unity and support that you get from a club as a whole is what keeps you coming back.
"We've all got each other's back, on and off the field, regardless of the grade you play - for me, that's what makes it and shapes you as a person."
Looking ahead, Leedham has no intentions to hang up the boots anytime soon, with his eyes set on passing the 700-game milestone.
"Hopefully I get to 700 and beyond, but it's not a goal of mine," he said.
"I enjoy the game too much to stop, so I intend to play for as long as my body allows without being a burden to whatever team I'm playing in.
"Whatever the number is when I do retire, it is what it is."