Len Mortimer

Recruited from Williamstown after topping the VFA goalkicking charts, Len Mortimer instantly solved South Melbourne's need for a reliable spearhead. He dominated the club's forward line for a decade, topping the goalkicking list for seven consecutive seasons from his arrival in 1906. His crowning moment came in 1909, where he was a key fixture in the club's inaugural premiership side, establishing himself as one of the league's most consistent sharpshooters during the era.

Known affectionately as "Mother" for the distinctive way he cradled the ball against his chest like a baby after taking a mark, Mortimer was renowned for his elite accuracy and marking strength. While his later years were hampered by injuries—including a significant head knock that forced him to wear a protective helmet—he remained a potent threat until his retirement. He departed South Melbourne as the club's first true goal-kicking icon, setting records that stood for decades.