Stewart Loewe

Recruited from Mt Eliza on the Mornington Peninsula, Stewart Loewe debuted in 1986 and rapidly developed into the structural centrepiece of the St Kilda forward line for nearly two decades. While Tony Lockett dominated the goal square during the first half of Loewe's career, Loewe commanded centre half-forward, utilising his immense aerobic capacity to work defenders into exhaustion up the ground before doubling back to impact the scoreboard. Renowned for his formidable grip strength and massive hands, earning him the enduring nickname "Buckets," Loewe was widely regarded as the premier contested mark in the competition throughout the 1990s, redefining the physical demands of key position play.

Despite an unorthodox kicking style that drew scrutiny early in his career, Loewe became a model of consistency and loyalty during a transitioning era for the club. He formed a potent leadership duo as co-captain alongside Nathan Burke, notably guiding the Saints to the minor premiership and the 1997 Grand Final. Following Lockett's departure to Sydney, Loewe shouldered the bulk of the attacking burden, winning the club best and fairest in 1990 and maintaining his high standards well into his 30s. He retired in 2002 as one of only two players to reach 300 games for St Kilda at the time, solidifying his status as a club icon and an Australian Football Hall of Fame inductee.