Steven Sziller

A hard-at-it utility from South Australia, Steven Sziller arrived at St Kilda with significant pedigree as a Jack Oatey Medal winner for Woodville-West Torrens in the SANFL. Recruited with pick 25 in the 1994 National Draft, he quickly established himself as a mainstay in the Saints' lineup, valued for his versatility and ability to perform disciplined tagging roles on the competition's most dangerous midfielders. While primarily deployed as a tight-checking defender or run-with player, Sziller famously enjoyed a rare day out as a forward in 1998, booting six goals against Sydney at the SCG—a stark contrast to his usual defensive remit. He was a key member of the St Kilda side that reached the 1997 Grand Final, playing 23 games that season as the club fell just short of a premiership.

Despite playing 22 games in the 2000 season, Sziller was surprisingly delisted by the Saints, but his AFL career was far from over. He was thrown a lifeline by Richmond in the draft, reuniting him with his former teammate and then-Tigers coach Danny Frawley. The move proved mutually beneficial, as Sziller brought experienced grit to a Richmond side on the rise, playing 23 games in his debut season at Punt Road and featuring in the club's run to the 2001 Preliminary Final. He retired at the end of 2002 after 156 games, remembered as a "baby-faced assassin" who consistently punched above his weight through sheer work rate and determination.