Bert Streckfuss

Recruited from the Beverley Football Club in the metropolitan junior ranks, Bert Streckfuss joined South Melbourne during a golden era and broke into the senior side just as the club pushed for the 1909 premiership. While he was unable to force his way into the Grand Final team that defeated Carlton, he was selected for the subsequent Championship of Australia victory against West Adelaide. He established himself as a regular fixture in the 1910 lineup, but his career is best remembered for a notorious incident at Princes Park where he was knocked unconscious behind play by Carlton's George Topping. The strike sparked a pitch invasion by spectators and resulted in a massive suspension for Topping, though it was later revealed Streckfuss had instigated the tension by striking another opponent earlier in the match. After leaving the league to play VFA football for Williamstown and Port Melbourne, he returned to the VFL as a respected official, umpiring over 100 matches and eight finals.