Having a Jacob on the list got me researching.  Came across Graeme Jacobs, when as a kid I liked to pronounce it Jak Obs. I remember in 64 listening to the radio, 2 big guns up forward, Jacobs and Bourke. Jacobs wore # 20.  So here is a list of all the players since 64 who have worn that number.

Graeme Jacobs

Paul Rowlands

Laurie Queay

Shane McSperrin

Paul Hurst - premiership with Carlton

Brian Cook - yes it is him

Graeme Gaunt

Russell Richards - Rhino

Mathew Febey

Troy Broadbridge - great matchup for Hird. RIP

Colin Garland

Corey Maynard

Adam Tomlinson

It is a very even contest but who is the best since 64.  I will go Febey/Garland/Tomlinson

Thoughts?

Febey.

Unrelated: I think we finally found a worthy successor to number 31

Graeme Gaunt was a terrific stalwart of the Club at the worst of all possible times

11 minutes ago, Cracker Nackers said:

Graeme Gaunt was a terrific stalwart of the Club at the worst of all possible times

Indeed he was. Got heaps of the ball. The answer to the question is Febey. In 3 years time I hope it is Tomlinson.

Equal first.  Garland and Febey 

40 minutes ago, spirit of norm smith said:

Equal first.  Garland and Febey 

Yes Garland was an underrated player. He didn't have many superstar attributes but his commitment was excellent and he was actually fairly versatile. I remember in Neeld's first year he was a major influence on our upset win over Essendon with his two goals in the last quarter. Pity he played for us when we were at our lowest point.

Edited December 1, 20213 yr by Hopeful Demon

Running Russell Richards. So F$$king exciting.

2 hours ago, Damo said:

Running Russell Richards. So F$$king exciting.

Our version of North's Gary "Crazy Horse" Cowton. Both quick, talented & powerful. Both made you wonder what the hell is gonna happen when they got the football in hand

16 minutes ago, Go the Biff said:

Our version of North's Gary "Crazy Horse" Cowton. Both quick, talented & powerful. Both made you wonder what the hell is gonna happen when they got the football in hand

Just for Richards he never got the ball in hand often enough.
Was at Princess Park the day he ran over Dipper earning the "Rhino" nickname.
Same game Matthews KO'd Steven Smith from behind.

3 hours ago, Hopeful Demon said:

Yes Garland was an underrated player. He didn't have many superstar attributes but his commitment was excellent and he was actually fairly versatile. I remember in Neeld's first year he was a major influence on our upset win over Essendon with his two goals in the last quarter. Pity he played for us when we were at our lowest point.

The backend of his career he sought of lost momentum, but he was very unlucky to not win a best and fairest (more votes per game than Jonesy in one of his years but played one less game) and went toe to toe with Buddy Franklin in his prime and held his own.

 

3 hours ago, Fork 'em said:

Same game Matthews KO'd Steven Smith from behind.

I swear that was at the MCG Fork 'em. A big roundhouse right to the jaw. We were sitting in the old Smokers Stand and the crowd went ballistic.

12 hours ago, Cracker Nackers said:

Graeme Gaunt was a terrific stalwart of the Club at the worst of all possible times

Col Garland fits that bill too I reckon Crackers. Played more games at a lower winning percentage too: 141 games at 24.82. 

12 hours ago, Cracker Nackers said:

Graeme Gaunt was a terrific stalwart of the Club at the worst of all possible times

He wasn’t very popular the day he kicked the wrong way against the Bulldogs at Waverley.

6 hours ago, dee-tox said:

I swear that was at the MCG Fork 'em.

I'm with Fork 'em on this one as I was also at Princes Park that day standing at the Lygon Street end and clearly saw Matthews punch Smith in the head.

The incident at the MCG could have been the day he did a similar dirty act on Peter Giles.

Mathew Febey and Colin Garland were good players but underrated Mathew played in more successful teams and was a bit player whereas Garland as pointed out played in weaker teams and was one of our leading lights. I really liked them both but for me Colin edged Mathew out.!!

Edited December 1, 20213 yr by DeeZone

Interesting that Brian Cook played 4 games for us in 1977, couldn’t have been much of a player.lol!!

Febey.  Without a doubt.  Even though I think his twin was better!

12 hours ago, Damo said:

Running Russell Richards. So F$$king exciting.

Absolutely, though he did have a 'Touch of Frost'

13 minutes ago, DeeZone said:

Interesting that Brian Cook played 4 games for us in 1977, couldn’t have been much of a player.lol!!

I wonder if he is in past players association......

1 hour ago, Demonstone said:

I'm with Fork 'em on this one as I was also at Princes Park that day standing at the Lygon Street end and clearly saw Matthews punch Smith in the head.

The incident at the MCG could have been the day he did a similar dirty act on Peter Giles.

Correct.

25 minutes ago, Katrina Dee Fan said:

Febey.  Without a doubt.  Even though I think his twin was better!

Agree.  And from all reports was nicer too.