Women’s football legend Debbie Lee brings up her 300th game in style, with VU St Albans recording a 20-point win over Eastern Devils in VWFL

THE title of ‘legend’ is described by the Oxford Dictionary as “an extremely famous or notorious person, especially in a particular field.” Debbie Lee is one of few in women’s footy that fits that tag.

Debbie Lee runs through her banner for her 300th game.

THE title of “legend” is described by the Oxford Dictionary as “an extremely famous or notorious person, especially in a particular field”.

There is no person more worthy of that tag in women’s football than Debbie Lee.

The pioneer celebrated her 300th game in style on Saturday, with VU-St Albans registering a 20-point win over Eastern Devils in Victorian Women’s Football League Premier Division.

The 40-year-old is just two games away from hanging up the boots, closing a decorated career that has spanned 23 seasons.

At 17, Lee joined the now defunct East Brunswick Scorpions, winning a premiership in her debut season.

Two years later, in 1993, Lee left the Scorpions to begin her own club at Sunshine YCW, which later moved to St Albans.

She won another two premierships, in 2004 and 2011, picked up five league Helen Lambert Medals (VWFL Premier Division best and fairest), represented Victoria 15 times, and was named in the All-Australian team on five occasions, along with a host of other honours.

On Saturday, her side’s 8.10 (58) to 5.8 (38) victory was “just another game” of footy, but Lee is now in the process of planning for life off the field.

“I’ve certainly invested a lot of time in women’s footy, so it’s time to hang up the boots,” Lee said of her career, which has included holding the presidency of the VWFL from 2004 to 2012.

The Melbourne Football Club community manager was a key driver in the annual female exhibition match between the Demons and Western Bulldogs, which she hopes will grow.

“The AFL has mentioned it’s keen to put on two games next year,” Lee said, adding the extra game would also be between the Demons and Dogs.

“In 2016, we might see four teams in this exhibition series. But there’s got to be genuine buy-in from AFL clubs.”

The sport’s growth has been “absolutely phenomenal” since Lee first started playing, but there’s still a long way to go before it becomes national.

“I think first, we’ve got to get realistic and build greater numbers at grassroots level,” Lee said.

“We’ve got to get a really good, talented group of players. We’re a long way off adding teams. I think anyone out there that’s got a passion and love for football, I encourage to give it a go.”