Harold Matthews

Recruited from VFA club Brighton, Harold "Circ" Matthews established himself as a premier defender during a lean era for St Kilda. A reliable and disciplined backman, he was often the last line of defence in a side that faced relentless pressure from opposition attacks. Despite the team's struggles, his individual brilliance was undeniable, and he was recognised as the club's Best and Fairest in consecutive seasons in 1926 and 1927. His nickname was derived from "circus," a nod to his reputation as a practical joker off the field, contrasting sharply with his serious and uncompromising demeanour on the ground.

Matthews' standing in the game extended well beyond the Junction Oval, earning him selection for Victoria where he served as vice-captain. He was elevated to the St Kilda captaincy in 1931, a season in which he also finished equal ninth in the Brownlow Medal count. He played 136 games for the Saints without kicking a single goal, a statistic that highlighted his total commitment to his defensive duties before retiring as one of the club's most respected figures of the inter-war period.