The greatest shirtfront ever delivered occurred in possibly the toughest season ever, with more players reported in 1940 than ever before. The drama and shocks on the field were matched by the turmoil and challenges off the field as the VFA looked to recruit the biggest stars of the day and many players made the biggest decisions of their lives to enlist in the armed services. St Kilda won their first premiership (The Patriotic Premiership with a Flag and a Cup) while Jack Dyer and Norm Smith clashed on the MCG. It was a year unlike any other with a season unlike any other, the 1940 VFL season.

Jack Dyer describes the 1940 Grand Final with Stephen Phillips. Thanks to Rhettorspective YouTube channel

Dan Minogue also had his photo turned to the wall when he left Collingwood, just like Ron Todd. Here is the story of the Minogue Photo

The Patriotic Premiership was St Kilda’s first premiership in the VFL. It was a fundraiser lightning premiership held on the 3rd of August 1940. The video below shows a short summary of the game with a Jack Dyer “Don’t Argue” at the 23 second mark!

Some photos from the Patriotic Premiership