SHE lives and breathes Australian football so it is little wonder Mel Hyland is about to join one of the most select clubs in the sport.
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A champion midfield with the Riverina Lions, Hyland is on the cusp of becoming the first female in NSW-ACT to play 300 games.
Hyland, who is set to achieve the magic triple-century milestone when the Lions play Ainslie at McPherson Oval on Saturday, will also be only the fourth player across Australia to achieve the marvellous mark.
This year two players in Victoria, and another in South Australia, have celebrated a similar fabulous feat, but, significantly, their figures involve both junior and senior games.
In contrast, Hyland's epic career, which includes in excess of 100 clubs games each with Sydney University and the Lions, and 60-plus representative games, is purely based at senior level.
Hyland was a foundation player in the Sydney Women's AFL competition, and is one of the most esteemed players in the AFL Canberra Women's premiership.
Regaled as a fearless defender, the Wagga woman joined the Lions in 2006 and has been regularly honoured with selection in the AFL Canberra team of the year ever since.
Across 15 sensational seasons, Hyland has been an inspirational player, but also a coach and mentor of junior players at club and representative level.
"I love coaching the young Riverina girls," Hyland said.
"They are so passionate about playing, and are more physical than their city counterparts."
Along the road to 300 games, Hyland has been at the coalface as women's Australian football had changed and developed.
"In the early years we had to dig holes to put in PVC pipes as goal posts," she recalls.
"We played 12-a -side across the field.
"It's been great to witness the participation growth and skill development."
Acclaimed for her tremendous work ethic, Hyland puts in on and off the playing arena.
Over the year she has served in a series of roles with the Sydney and Canberra leagues, while also being on the organising committee for the National Women's Football Championships.
Currently, Riverina Lions' president and team manager, Hyland is also heavily involved in junior coaching, including the NSW under-16 schools team and the NSW-ACT under-18 youth team.
"I love seeing so many young girls come through and pick up the footy," she said.
"I hope to leave the sport in a better place than when I joined it."
As a flag-waving Sydney Swans supporter, Hyland has two great football ambitions this year.
Another AFL grand final triumph for the Swans is a priority, while a victory for the Riverina Lions in the AFL Canberra premiership is her fondest dream before she retires.
On Saturday, Hyland and her Lions' team-mates will be out to take a step towards the title when they play Ainslie at McPherson Oval.
Heading into the critical game, Lions coach Megan Carter says Hyland is the consummate footballer.
"Mel lives and breathes AFL football," Carter said.
"Her involvement spans every facet of the game.
"On field Mel has all the footy smarts … fiercely determined and tremendously skilled."
MEL'S MILESTONE
What: 300th game
When: 11am Saturday
Where: McPherson Oval