Wels Eicke

Wels Eicke holds a unique place in VFL history as one of the youngest players to ever appear at the senior level, debuting for St Kilda as a 15-year-old schoolboy in 1909. Developing into a durable and versatile utility, he spent the majority of his career anchoring the defence across half-back, though he was equally capable of impacting the contest as a follower. Known for his robust physical approach and natural leadership, Eicke became the backbone of the Saints through the World War I era, eventually winning the club's Best and Fairest twice and serving as captain-coach.

His career took a significant turn in 1925 when he departed the Junction Oval to become the inaugural captain-coach of North Melbourne upon their admission to the VFL. The move was short-lived, however, and after a season and a half at Arden Street, he returned to St Kilda midway through 1926 to finish his career where it began. Eicke retired as the first player to reach 200 games for the Saints and remained the club's games record holder for over a decade, eventually earning induction into the Australian Football Hall of Fame.