Stephen Officer, son of Dot and Ted (a Life Member) and brother of Bob (Life Member) was a tall, slim lad with outstanding natural ability. He moved around the ground gracefully and was a magnificient marker of the ball. A remarkable discovery in the local scene, Stephen went on to play league football in the VFL for South Melbourne.

In 1963 he made his Colts debut and eventually Officer would be part a landmark premiership in that grade in 1965, the same year he would captain the GDFL junior represntative side.

The following season he graduated directly into the A Grade where he enjoyed premierships with his younger brother RO in 1967 and 1969. In 1970, both brothers were named best palyers for the association side in the Central Districts Carnival.

In 1971, talent scouts from the South Melbourne (now Sydney) Swans identified him as an outside recruit and signed him up to play league footy in Melbourne - bypassing the usual route via the SANFL. There was considerable and unfounded controversy over his clearance being approved without Central Districts' authority, however he went straight into the VFL where he would play three very serviceable seasons as a ruckman.