I know that this has been discussed before but I thought it was worth raising this topic again seeing as a lot of other AFL clubs are now allocating jumper numbers to their new recruits.

From my understanding these are the 10 numbers currently available at the Melbourne Demons.

1) Number 2# (worn with great distinction by the late and great Robbie Flower, Stephen Tingay and the recently retired Nathan Jones)

2) Number 21#

3) Number 22#

4) Number 27#

5) Number 39#

6) Number 40#

7) Number 41#

8) Number 43#

9) Number 45#

10) Number 46#

The following 6 players will need to be allocated numbers.

1) Luke Dunstan from St. Kilda Saints - Possibly numbers 21, 22 or 27? I reckon it will probably be number 21.

2) Blake Howes drafted from Sandringham Dragons - Possibly numbers 2, 21, 22 or 27? Maybe number 16 if Bailey Laurie wants to change him number and is able to get number 2.

3) Judd McVee drafted from East Fremantle Sharks - Probably a high number like 39, 40, 41, 43, 45 or 46 seeing as he is a rookie listed player.

4) Jacob Van Rooyen drafted from Claremont Tigers - Possibly number 2, 21, 22 or 27? It would be good to give a tall player number 2 for a change. Although I actually think number 27 would suit him. Worn by Sean Wight and Anthony Ingerson in the past.

5) Taj Woewodin drafted from East Fremantle Sharks - Being the son of Shane Woewodin, the 2000 Brownlow Medalist and having his Father's number 22 available for him to wear makes sense. However, Taj may not want that kind of pressure on him by wearing that number. Anyway, I hope he does choose 22 for the sake of tradition. But I am not fussed as to what number he wants to wear.

6) Andy Moniz-Wakefield drafted from Northern Territory Thunder - I think either Neville Jetta's number 39 or Matthew Whelan's number 45 would suit him appropriately. However, we will wait and see what number he receives. I expect it to be a high number seeing as he is a category B rookie.

Hopefully Taj takes number 22

You would hope the next number 2 will be a gun maybe Laurie? Or retire it until we get someone JT is confident will continue the tradition.

Any chance any of the existing players request a number change?  In his draft year Kozzie had a liking for low numbers (1 and 3) so maybe a request to number 2?

Why change something that’s proved a success? 

I wonder if they’re waiting for when the entire list is gathered together after the festive season?

6 hours ago, Whispering_Jack said:

Why change something that’s proved a success? 

I can’t imagine any player having won a premiership wearing a certain number wanting to change to another number. 

23 hours ago, Watson11 said:

Any chance any of the existing players request a number change?  In his draft year Kozzie had a liking for low numbers (1 and 3) so maybe a request to number 2?

jumper numbers at that level are given by size so size 1 is a small and 45 is a 2xl so that's probably why koz had such a low one

From the training pictures:
22: Howes
27: Dunstan?
41: Moniz-Wakefield

That leaves 2, 21, 39, 40, 43 free for JVR, Woewodin and McVee.  I wouldn't mind seeing Woey in #2

In the December 13 training gallery it looks as though howes is in the 22 Guernsey

6 hours ago, FrothiesLiam said:

In the December 13 training gallery it looks as though howes is in the 22 Guernsey

Good spotting

If 22 was Howes and 27 was Dunstan, then based on my training report last Friday, we have hit PAYDIRT AGAIN

Both were very impressive🤩

16 hours ago, old55 said:

  I wouldn't mind seeing Woey in #2

Not sure if new players feel pressure from numbers of past champions, but I would prefer Taj gets a higher number, which eliminates that extra pressure.

34 minutes ago, Redleg said:

Not sure if new players feel pressure from numbers of past champions, but I would prefer Taj gets a higher number, which eliminates that extra pressure.

Agreed. Let’s not forget that he wasn’t rated by most of the draft experts and nobody expected his drafting to be challenged by other clubs. It wouldn’t hurt him to be given a number in the 40s along with Judd McVee, Andy Moniz-Wakefield and Daniel Turner. They can work their way up from there.

#2 should have a well earned rest. Woey should be offered #22, but up to him if he takes it.
 

Otherwise they should allocate the numbers based on the players preference starting with the earliest pick. JVR gets first choice, then Howes, then Woey, then Dunstan (2 year deal), then the 2 rookies. 

7 minutes ago, Elwood 3184 said:

Agreed. Let’s not forget that he wasn’t rated by most of the draft experts and nobody expected his drafting to be challenged by other clubs. It wouldn’t hurt him to be given a number in the 40s along with Judd McVee, Andy Moniz-Wakefield and Daniel Turner. They can work their way up from there.

And maybe if they work real hard and establish themselves in the team they can be like Ben Brown … oh, wait.

Slightly off topic, but is there a better player number in world sport than Root 66?

8 minutes ago, Demonstone said:

Slightly off topic, but is there a better player number in world sport than Root 66?

I love this choice of number!

Son got a Demons jumper for Christmas (I know it’s not an original gift). Question is whether Van Rooyen has his number yet so he can have his first fan.

Looks like woewodin in the 40 mcvee in 41 so I'm going to guess JVR gets the 21 

Edited January 11, 20224 yr by FrothiesLiam

5 hours ago, FrothiesLiam said:

Looks like woewodin in the 40 mcvee in 41 so I'm going to guess JVR gets the 21 

Earlier training photos had Andy Moniz-Wakefield wearing the #41 so JMcV gets another jumper - perhaps 43?

1 hour ago, Blistering said:

Earlier training photos had Andy Moniz-Wakefield wearing the #41 so JMcV gets another jumper - perhaps 43?

McVee was definitely in 41 maybe Moniz-Wakefield changed numbers. Van Rooyen didn't have a number on his back.

On 12/18/2021 at 2:29 PM, WalkingCivilWar said:

I can’t imagine any player having won a premiership wearing a certain number wanting to change to another number. 

Yea it's a valid point. I'm sure once you've won a flag that number is cemented for good.

JVR one-handed marking, wearing 21 in a recent video

Not sure if it's been announced but the AFL squad list has been updated with numbers. 

https://www.melbournefc.com.au/teams/afl 

2 hours ago, Deefiant said:

Not sure if it's been announced but the AFL squad list has been updated with numbers. 

https://www.melbournefc.com.au/teams/afl 

Just need to update the player pictures.