While Premiership success continued to be frustratingly elusive, the invincible performances of Bill Mohr ushered in St Kilda’s most optimistic era since its formation some 50 years prior. The powerhouse forward led the club’s goalkicking from 1929-1940, slotting an almighty 735 goals across his 195 games in the red, white and black.
Mohr became the first St Kilda player to kick 100 goals in a season – taking out the League Goalkicker Medal in 1936 – and remains just one of three Saints to achieve the remarkable feat. He left an indelible mark on the club that wouldn’t be filled until the great Tony Lockett, but he wasn’t the only legend to find a unique place in club history during the 1930s.
The St Kilda Crest was immortalised in 1933, with the iconic emblem not only commemorating the great fortitude shown in the Saints’ stunning triumph against North Melbourne, but underpinning the very values and morals upon which the club was built.
The Saints held onto victory at Junction Oval against the ruthless Shinboners in one of the game’s most epic encounters, ending the match with just 15 men of the field – seven of whom continued to play on injured. Legendary Saints Mohr, Clarrie Hindson and Roy Bence were among the felled soldiers, but the steely resolve of the red, white and black persevered.
The noble display was deserving of commemoration in the eyes of St Kilda President Fred Arlington-Burke, who struck a medal adorned with the St Kilda Crest for every player. Ever since, the iconic emblem has been present on every single St Kilda guernsey.
It has become synonymous with the club motto Fortius Quo Fidelius – Strength Through Loyalty – and remains as one of St Kilda’s most enduring symbols. It serves as a sign of bravery in the face of adversity, unwavering resilience and as a reminder to never give in, even under the most dire of circumstances.
The legend of the Crest continued to shine through the remainder of the decade, as the Saints consistently pushed for finals and found themselves on the cusp several times in an increasingly strengthening competition. It wasn’t until the end of the decade that the club recorded its first finals win since 1913, with a victory over Richmond at the MCG snapping a 26-year dry spell.
While the ultimate glory slipped through the Saints’ fingers yet again the following week, the decade closed with the red, white and black carrying their own unmistakeable identity. They wouldn’t be defined by success, but by their courage, heart and refusal to give up.
And it was that intangible St Kilda spirit that would make the ultimate triumph some 30 years later even more special.
