Lee, originally from Yallourn, started out at Hawthorn in the 1980s but couldn't find his way into the firsts and had just one night premiership game to show for his time at the club.
[1] He got a clearance to Central District in 1985 and gave them good service as a defender, winning 'Best and Fairests' in 1987 and 1990, before getting his second chance at playing AFL when Adelaide recruited him for their inaugural season.
[2] His AFL career began well, with 29 disposals in Adelaide's win over eventual premiers Hawthorn in the opening round and he missed no games all season, equal best with Grantley Fielke and Rodney Maynard.
The following year he received four Brownlow Medal votes, the first two for nine marks and 33 disposals in a win over Richmond at the MCG and the other for his efforts in a victory against St Kilda at home.
[3] In 1996, despite his career at Adelaide being finished, Lee continued playing with Central District and appeared in their Grand Final loss that year.