Leigh Hall playing seniors football for Merrigum with his son Brayden in 2024.
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One of Kyabram District League football’s most diligent stalwarts has reflected on his four decade-long career as he approaches the curtain call on one of the league’s longest, and most entertaining shows.
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Fifty-one-year-old Merrigum senior footballer Leigh Hall played his 450th league game in the Bulldogs’ 47-point loss to Tallygaroopna on Saturday, June 28.
Hall began his storied career with Merrigum in 1990 playing in the thirds before moving to Kyabram Football Club for three years as his parents were heavily involved with the club.
He then came back to Merrigum in 1994 and played there until 2005 before making the switch to Stanhope in 2006 and remaining a Lion until the end of the 2018 season.
Following his son, Brayden, an impressive footballer in his own right to Tatura, he remained in Goulburn Valley League until the end of the 2023 season before returning to his one true home of Merrigum for the 2024 and potentially his last 2025 season.
His stints at Tatura and Kyabram have taken his game tally to more than 500 appearances.
Leigh Hall being carried off the field after playing his 400th KDL game with Stanhope.
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“When you get to play that many games, they all start to feel the same, all of your milestones seem to be at the start of your career,” Hall said when reflecting on his career.
“I am very fortunate to last as long as I have, the body has held up reasonably well up until this last year.
“I’m 51 this year, so it’s a bit on the silly side, but I love my footy and love the competitiveness of the game, I’ve been lucky to last this long, but the body is getting a bit worn out now.”
Not only has Hall been a consistent presence on-field in the KDL, but has also been a committed servant in administrative and coaching roles throughout the past four decades.
He coached Merrigum’s under-18 side to back-to-back premierships in 2002 and 2003 and was the KDL interleague under-18 coach from 2002 to 2004.
These efforts ended in him receiving an award from AFL Victoria for his ongoing commitment to volunteering in football and was named KDFL Youth Coach of the Year.
He has captained Merrigum’s seniors for four seasons and has been a committee member and coach of the Bulldogs at reserves and senior level on various occasions.
Hall is also a four-time premiership player will Stanhope, winning back-to-back flags in the seniors in 2007 and 2008 and with the reserves in 2010 and 2018 as well as being an assistant coach in 2006.
Leigh Hall won four premierships as a player during his time in Stanhope, two in the reserves and two at senior level.
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“Your first club is typically your home club, Merrigum has been very good to me and Stanhope was the same, they were two clubs I could go to and fit in with no problems,” he said.
“My family and I were always welcomed, so I can’t knock either of them in that respect.”
Outside his accolades, Hall highlighted his coaching of young footballers and playing with his son as being the most fulfilling moments in his storied career.
“I coached the thirds in Merrigum to a couple of flags which was pretty special, I enjoy coaching the kids and being involved in their development, so that was a real buzz,” he said.
“One of my favourite periods in my career has been playing with my young fella, in three years I played five games with my son, so that was definitely very special.
“It was good to be able to play with him and my daughter’s boyfriend, it makes it a family affair, which is a bonus.”
Serving as a coach and player at his spiritual home of Merrigum Football Club for the past two seasons, Hall forecasts an end to his long and satisfying career this September after finding a home on the football field for the majority of his life.
“My body is telling me to give it away, I haven’t had any major injuries, but just a few niggles this year, so I thank my lucky stars for that, but I should probably give it away,” he said.
“Looking back, I can’t complain with the career I’ve had, I’ve been very lucky with my health and my longevity, so I have no regrets.”
