Steven Hoffmann

Recruited from Pyramid Hill, Steven Hoffmann was initially tied to Carlton but was famously dismissed by coach Ron Barassi as being too small for League football. A zoning change eventually saw him land at South Melbourne, where the pint-sized speedster quickly proved his doubters wrong. Originally a centreman and winger, Hoffmann eventually took over the number one roving mantle following the retirement of club legend Bob Skilton. He was a tenacious ball-winner with a sharp eye for the goals, famously booting five majors in just his second senior game and playing a key role in the Swans' drought-breaking 1970 finals campaign.

After more than a decade at the Lake Oval, Hoffmann's time in red and white ended abruptly due to the club's severe financial pressures. Released prior to the 1979 season to clear salary cap space, he was thrown a lifeline by Footscray, where he played his 150th VFL game in the opening round. He spent a single season at the Western Oval providing experience to a young list before heading to the SANFL with Norwood. Remembered as a loyal servant during a lean era for South Melbourne, Hoffmann was a consistent performer who regularly polled well in the Brownlow Medal and provided a rare spark in the midfield.