Jack Grimes to wear #31

[Lil_red_fire_engine 11,233]

I'm probably alone, but I don't like this. Let the man make his own history in his own jumper number. 16 was Jack Grimes, in my mind.

I completely agree. I am sick of spending most of our time looking at our history. We have a chance with this group to make their own. Grimes has worn 16 through his whole career. I have had a jumper for his MFC years that matches that worn by him.

Grimes gives up the jumper he has worn for his career for tradition yet Cotchin breaks Richmond tradition to keep the number he has made his own rather than wear the 17 as captain. I know what I would prefer.

And anyone who wants to sprout get over it its just a number I would argue is just further re-affirming my point.

I cant be bothered buying a new jumper so they better give 16 to Jimmy-T

[Josh 1,420]

Will Trengrove be dropped from captiancy, Grimes solo captian and 31 to always be our captian?

[rpfc 28,779]

And anyone who wants to sprout get over it its just a number I would argue is just further re-affirming my point.

It's not just a number. That IS the point.

Neeld said in the piece on the website that he normally just lets players have their numbers and make their own history but that 31 at the MFC is different.

And he is right.

It is more than just a number.

[Lucifers Hero 40,364]

talk about deja vu

But Jack's smile is genuine !

[DemonWA 3,936]

I'm stoked!

I can wear my #31 guernsey again

[Arrow 1,257]

Ridiculous people saying unhappy. Jack got offered and it's almost the ultimate honour when at the MFC. I'm happy Jack took it on, and look forward to seeing a good 31 run around again.

[mauriesy 7,357]

Grimes identifies with the historical significance of the number. Scully had no empathy for it, no identification with its history, and didn't care a fig.

[Robbie57 2,022]

Brilliant, go Jack. A dee through and through what more can you ask for.

We are building a culture to match the one that exisited when 31 meant something.

Our pack of red foxes will mean something and stand for something.

I loved that Barrass called it the Melbourne Footy ground!

By making it the captains number the so called curse is shoved in the dustbin and its meaning relates to what it meant when we were a tough winning club.

[H_T 3,049]

Grimes identifies with the historical significance of the number. Scully had no empathy for it, no identification with its history, and didn't care a fig.

Agree.

But the most burning question of all on Demonland is.....Will 45HG16 now become 45HG31?

[Lucifers Hero 40,364]

Grimes identifies with the historical significance of the number. Scully had no empathy for it, no identification with its history, and didn't care a fig.

Totally agree mt. In fact I find it offensive that anyone would compare Grimes and Scully in #31.

Why let a scumbag define our respect for a # on our jumper...any #, any jumper.

[dees189227 12,399]

The way I see it Grimes grew up as a melbourne fan so he knows the history with Ron and that number. He would be honored to wear it and he would have looked stupid if he knocked it back.

At least we know this number 31 isnt going anywhere ever. He will wear that number with pride for the next 10 years.

[stinga81 210]

Character and Class are being restored back into the number.

Orchestrated by Neeld, great initiative.

[Deetective Sgt. Taggert 389]

31 to always be our captian?

I was thinking the same thing when I saw this. Should 31 become the captain's guernsey? Therefore it will only be earned through commitment and proven ability, etc.

[1 red eye 1 blue eye 771]

Great, MFC on the front foot, taking charge of a very important number, we won't morosely fold it up and store it in the bottom draw where it can wait for a deserved player and we all carry on being morose, b#gger that, we have a deserved player and he's our Captain, inspired move. Superstition is not welcome here, the MFC is moving forward faster than we can keep up with and I'm infinitely more than ok with it.

[Sir Why You Little 37,133]

That video was a beauty. I just got to see it.

I would prefer the club rested 31 for a while, to me what happened 2 years ago still burns.

But if Frank wants to wear it & knows the history.

JUST DO IT.

I hope to see him smash $cully & remind him of what he is wearing in future.

[rpfc 28,779]

Agree.

But the most burning question of all on Demonland is.....Will 45HG16 now become 45HG31?

45 had that for TJ.

[Striker475 696]

Good. Planning on getting a white 2013, was going to get 16 but much prefer this!

[mauriesy 7,357]

I would prefer the club rested 31 for a while, to me what happened 2 years ago still burns.

We've converted Scully into a positive ... Toumpas, Hogan, Viney, Dawes, Barry. We've come out ahead from the deal. It doesn't burn any longer with me.

Maybe Grimes taking #31 is the symbolic end to a turbulent and disappointing past, and end we should celebrate now rather than continue to regret.

[Rosso 59]

My initial reaction was that Grimes should have stuck with 16, but after watching the video and hearing Grimes discuss the thought and consideration he put into the decision and the obvious pride he feels at taking on 31 I am totally won over. Grimes is a class act and will be a worthy number 31, and if he wants to change numbers, who am I/are we to disagree?

[nutbean 8,838]

Grimes identifies with the historical significance of the number. Scully had no empathy for it, no identification with its history, and didn't care a fig.

Not sure I agree - I dislike the little twerp as much as anyone but I am not going to read into whether he liked or didnt like the club, respected the 31 or didnt - in my opinion he had one motivation and one motivation only for leaving - $$$$$$$$$ - the rest is all academic.

[Jack7 528]

I'd normally agree on making your own history with your own number but Ronald Dale was the greatest Demon of all to pull on the Melbourne jumper and to see Jack running around in 31 will be amazing.

No-one has done the no.. 31 justice since Ronald Dale Barassi.

[Steamin Demon 392]

I can't wait to see OUR famous number finally restored to its former glory !!! Well done Grimsy no one is more deserved.

Very happy man today.

[mauriesy 7,357]

Not sure I agree - I dislike the little twerp as much as anyone but I am not going to read into whether he liked or didnt like the club, respected the 31 or didnt ...

I don't think I said anything about 'respect' or 'liking the club', I just said he didn't particularly care about the significance. Grimes does, as a Melbourne supporter growing up, and that will be a significant factor.

[jnrmac 20,188]

I'm a bit in the 'who cares' camp. Its a number.

Just want Jack to continue getting better.

[beelzebub 23,383]

This is simply another element in Mark Neeld's strategy of re-establishing a great culture at this club.

Jack Grimes would take a bullet for this club. He's a Demon through and through, and Mark Neeld has just acknowledged it, very publicly, in a way that is a massive compliment to the young man.

That being the case, what do you think the new draftees will think when Jack welcomes them to club and they see the passion in his expression and actions when he talks about the joint?!

It's probably much the same as new draftees to the Cats would've thought when they first met Cameron Ling.

We're setting up a good, tight club culture here. It's no longer about show pony individuals - it's about team and club. And Mark Neeld is convinced that Jack Grimes is the man to lead the charge.

Perhaps a slightly left field thing to do, but I reckon this is what it's all about.

I concur. This is more than a player, more than a number its about re-establishing part of the fabric which once made this club great, and will again.

Theres very much the element of folklore about this but i'm fine with that. So much about footy , the clubs, the players is steeped in the history associated with this or that.

Theres symbolism and that goes to the culture of the club ( as it now wants to be ).

I can see why some see folly in it ( handing Grimes 31 ) but im happy enough to take with me the upside and ignore any perceived negatives..

Wear it proudly Grimesy, as much for yourself as a Melbourne player and captain as you will noting its history.

Go Dees