Peter Hardiman

Recruited from local side Chilwell, Harold "Peter" Hardiman was a central figure in a famous Geelong family dynasty that included his father Jack, uncle Tom, and star brother Les. Although born Harold, he adopted the moniker "Peter" early in his career to avoid confusion with teammate Harold Craven, a name that stuck for the rest of his life. While his brother Les was the flamboyant key position star who eventually made the club's Team of the Century, Peter was the side's engine—a strong, reliable follower who did the heavy lifting in the ruck and around the ground to allow the team's flair players to shine.

Hardiman's career coincided with a golden era for the Pivotonians, and he was instrumental in securing premierships in both 1931 and 1937. His consistency was rewarded with Victorian state selection in 1931, cementing his status as one of the league's premier big men of the decade. He is also remembered by historians for a unique stylistic quirk; he was credited as one of the last VFL players to regularly use the place kick for shots on goal, maintaining the technique well after the drop punt and punt kick had become the standard. He retired in 1938 as a dual premiership player and a life member of the club.