2024 Jumper Numbers

[Tarax Club 3,195]

41 minutes ago, Checker Mate said:

That would be Robert "Tassie" Johnson

Cheers Checker memory can be elusive as you pass your ‘playing days’. Saw Tassie #8 play later in his career. Captain from full back, could kick a decent torpedo punt.

The Robert Johnson referred to in my previous post is listed on demonwiki in 1950-1952 as the #14 guernsey encumbent too early for Tassie. Hyperlink goes to the Father and Son Roberts Johnson probably just needs to be tidied up.

Edited February 29 by Tarax Club

[Checker Mate 146]

Sorry Tarax, my error.
Although, having said that, I am surprised that it's "Big Bob" (Robert Junior) as I would have thought that '50 - '52 was a tad too early for him too.
Ah well, we live & learn 🙂 

Edited March 1 by Checker Mate

[Tarax Club 3,195]

#23 Shane McAdam

 Some successful and well known individuals have worn this jumper. Francis  ‘Pop’ Vine debuted in the 1926 Grand Final. A Premiership player after one game of VFL football. Played his whole career as an amateur. He was named captain in 1933 but only led the side on nine occasions that season. Geoff Tunbridge was a late starter, debuting at the age of twenty-five. A triple premiership player from the half-forward flank. Wikipedia entry describes him as ‘a red-headed spearing left-foot flanker.’ A teacher by profession from  Ballarat Grammar where he taught for many years. He accompanied Brian Dickson at the No-Merger Alternative Melbourne rally at the ‘G in 1996. Brian ‘Doc’ Roet wore the jumper briefly during 1968, after returning from a protracted absence working overseas as a doctor. He was a premiership player in 1964. Peter Sinclair who held the number from 1969 - 1972 was also a doctor. Warren Dean was part of the John Northey coached Demon revival. He arrived as part of a recruiting coup, that also bought in Todd Viney and Earl Spalding to the Club at the start of 1987 season. A very talented, attacking footballer with a booming kick. Unfortunately his time at the club was in the end afflicted by a serious knee injury. Which proved to be career ending. Kevin Dyson was also a very long kick of the football. A football journeyman who eventually found his way to a VFL list at Melbourne. Alaistair Clarkson spent the 1996-1997 seasons at the Demons. He got his start in coaching, as a conditioning coach there after he hung up his boots. James MacDonald joined his brother Anthony at the Dees. Despite his comparatively slight build, he proved to have elite endurance and courage in spades. Seen often tackling bigger bodied opponents. James played 251 games for MFC, was two times best and fairest. He was appointed Captain and received an All-Australian gong by the end of his time at Melbourne. Bernie Vince’s recruitment from the Crows could be viewed the start of the Demons as being a destination club. After a lengthy stint in the doldrums. His second season produced a best and fairest winning performance. James Jordon always seemed to be the perennial bridesmaid at Melbourne. Despite being part of the 2021 premiership but not playing an active role. He was never able to consummate a regular on field position in the team.

Edited March 2 by Tarax Club

[Tarax Club 3,195]

#27 Marty Hore

Going back to Len Smith, brother of Norm. At the time of his recruitment Father Victor Smith suggested the younger son Norm was ‘worth a look at’! Two seasons at the MFC before being ‘surprisingly omitted’ (Demonwiki 2024). Not unlike the current wearer of the guernsey. Len got his second chance at Fitzroy where he later coached post his playing days. In 1960 the Lions after a nine game winning streak played the Demons under Norm Smith’s tutelage in the semi-final. The only time brothers opposed each other as coaches in a VFL-AFL final. The Demons were victors with a ten goal winning margin. Denis Jones with fifty nine games is not the #27 record games holder but he did play in the 1959 Premiership side. Appointed as coach at Melbourne for the 1978 season. His winning percentage at 22.73% was no where near that it was as a player at 76.27%. A wooden spoon cleared the way for Carl Ditterich’s ascendancy as captain-coach in 1979. During Ross Brewer’s freshman and sophomore years at the Demons he sported the #27 jumper. A product of the club’s suburban zone, his slight build no impedance to his goal scoring ability. Sean Wight was part of the pioneering ‘Irish experiment’ by Barrasi and Richardson. Born in Scotland, he was a talented Gaelic rules footballer. Who despite some challenging injury concerns established a career in Australian rules. Wight is a co -record holder for games played in this guernsey. Known for his athleticism and ‘dour’ determination. He was successfully matched against some gun forwards of the time. Including Jason Dunstall, who he held to a solitary goal in a game against Hawthorn. Jarod Rivers developed from a promising young defender to being recognised with a Rising Star award in 2004. Although his time at the Demons was also affected by injury he is the co-holder of most games played (150) with Sean Wight. Upon becoming a free agent under AFL rules he joined Geelong.
Another South Australian, Anthony Ingerson enjoyed a career renaissance as a key defender in #27. At the Demons after being traded by the Adelaide Crows.
 

Edited March 4 by Tarax Club

[Fanatique Demon 2,416]

On 26/02/2024 at 22:37, WalkingCivilWar said:

He doesn’t smile much

Re Shane McAdam…

He and Charlie Spargo should become great mates, then.

[Tarax Club 3,195]

#33 Tom Fullarton

Ivor Warne-Smith wore #33 in his very first season with the Fuchsias. After demobilising from Flanders in 1919. No listed players for the #33 guernsey grab a great deal of attention until Gary Hardeman’s arrival at the club in 1967. He played 219 games for the Demons over the next decade or more. Regularly representing Victoria in the Big White V and attaining All-Australian status in 1972. A great amount of his career was spent at the centre-half bank position. Where his dynamism was best displayed. Rising above the pack to grab an authoritative mark. Hardeman would often hit the ground beautifully balanced and full of running. Delivering a long raking drop punt deep to the forward line. His distinguished career would include multiple top three Brownlow medal and Best and Fairest finishers. Gary was later honoured with Team of the Century selection at the centre- half back position by the MFC. Tony Elshaug commenced the trend for players of shorter statue wearing the  #33 jumper. Reflecting the prolonged lack of success at Melbourne he left for a premiership at Essendon. Greg “Sugar” Healy is the brother of Brownlow medalist Gerard Healy another demon  departee. His injury truncated career was distinguished with a Best and Fairest award in 1986. He attained captaincy at the age of twenty-two. Leading the 1988 Grand Final team against a rampant Hawthorn outfit. Jeffrey Farmer arrived as a relatively unheralded Western Australian youngster. Although he was given the epithet “The Wizard” by the WA scout. Which proved to be prescient given his spectacular on-field exploits. These included a hair trigger play on handball on his first appearance at the MCG into the back of Captain Garry Lyons head. After marking in the Swan St end goal square.  Fortunately the field umpire allowed young Jeff to reset and kick the goal. The ‘merger match’ between the Demons and Hawks at the end of 1996 home and away season at the ‘G was dominated by the firepower of David Neitz and Piggy Dunstall. Jeff Farmer’s magnificent cameo of three goals in the third quarter still burns bright. On an evening where many believed the merger was a fait accompli. During 1998 Farmer established himself as a bona-fide star. Kicking  ‘goal of the year’ and taking one of the greatest marks in Australian rules football period. Against the rampant tiggers, Garry Lyon again providing ‘the prop’ his back as a step ladder. Jeff was unjustly denied the award of ‘goal of the year’ by an inferior award decision. His 2000 season exploits now regarded as ‘legendary’ by the Demon faithful further enhanced Farmer’s reputation as “The Wizard”.  
 

Edited March 6 by Tarax Club

[Rodney (Balls) Grinter 10,588]

On 28/11/2023 at 20:11, WalkingCivilWar said:

I was hoping Judd would stay with #41 but I’m pleased that he’s been given #4 because it lets him know what the Club think of him. And he deserves all the respect and praise he gets. 

I really struggled to get my head around Judd in No.4 against Richmond, particularly with Kynan running around everywhere in #41.

[radar 1,858]

7 hours ago, Tarax Club said:

#33 Tom Fullarton

Ivor Warne-Smith wore #33 in his very first season with the Fuchsias. After demobilising from Flanders in 1919. No listed players for the #33 guernsey grab a great deal of attention until Gary Hardeman’s arrival at the club in 1967. He played 219 games for the Demons over the next decade or more. Regularly representing Victoria in the Big White V and attaining All-Australian status in 1972. A great amount of his career was spent at the centre-half bank position. Where his dynamism was best displayed. Rising above the pack to grab an authoritative mark. Hardeman would often hit the ground beautifully balanced and full of running. Delivering a long raking drop punt deep to the forward line. His distinguished career would include multiple top three Brownlow medal and Best and Fairest finishers. Gary was later honoured with Team of the Century selection at the centre- half back position by the MFC. Tony Elshaug commenced the trend for players of shorter statue wearing the  #33 jumper. Reflecting the prolonged lack of success at Melbourne he left for a premiership at Essendon. Greg “Sugar” Healy is the brother of Brownlow medalist Gerard Healy another demon  departee. His injury truncated career was distinguished with a Best and Fairest award in 1986. He attained captaincy at the age of twenty-two. Leading the 1988 Grand Final team against a rampant Hawthorn outfit. Jeffrey Farmer arrived as a relatively unheralded Western Australian youngster. Although he was given the epithet “The Wizard” by the WA scout. Which proved to be prescient given his spectacular on-field exploits. These included a hair trigger play on handball on his first appearance at the MCG into the back of Captain Garry Lyons head. After marking in the Swan St end goal square.  Fortunately the field umpire allowed young Jeff to reset and kick the goal. The ‘merger match’ between the Demons and Hawks at the end of 1996 home and away season at the ‘G was dominated by the firepower of David Neitz and Piggy Dunstall. Jeff Farmer’s magnificent cameo of three goals in the third quarter still burns bright. On an evening where many believed the merger was a fait accompli. During 1998 Farmer established himself as a bona-fide star. Kicking  ‘goal of the year’ and taking one of the greatest marks in Australian rules football period. Against the rampant tiggers, Garry Lyon again providing ‘the prop’ his back as a step ladder. Jeff was unjustly denied the award of ‘goal of the year’ by an inferior award decision. His 2000 season exploits now regarded as ‘legendary’ by the Demon faithful further enhanced Farmer’s reputation as “The Wizard”.  
 

….Wiz’s 9 Goals and a point in second half v Pies

[Timothy Reddan-A'Blew 4,087]

👏 and 🙏, @Tarax Club

 

(p.s. Wish I'd kept my badge. Going rate of $75 now!)

[Tarax Club 3,195]

4 hours ago, radar said:

….Wiz’s 9 Goals and a point in second half v Pies

Cheers Radar, was not ‘live’ for that performance by the Wizard (working OS at the time). My waltz thru these guernsey numbers was inspired, either by players very much seen or aware of by pre-internet ways and means. TC

Edited March 6 by Tarax Club

[Tarax Club 3,195]

#39 Koltyn Tholstrup

#39 as expected with higher numbers is rather transitory. Either the temporary holder of the number gains a toehold and moves up the pecking order. Or gets short shrift and is speedily delisted. The exception to the rule, was Neville Jetta whose name became eponymous with the jumper. Neville played a record 159 games in the guernsey for the Demons. Like a quality red maturating with age, Neville became a top AFL small defender, who exemplified courage and determination. Of those who moved on to succeed. Gerard Healy would be a name most would recognise. His early promise was soon rewarded with elevation to the #3 guernsey and in time recognition as club best and fairest with the ‘84 Bluey. Lured to the Sydney Swans by a big contract offer. Healy continued his  ascension to football immortality with the 1988 Brownlow medal. George Lakes was another who showed promise in #39 moving on up to #9. George was of Greek descent, his father having anglicised the family name. Recruited from Broken Hill as a gun recruit by Jim Cardwell Melbourne Club Secretary for the start of 1968 season.  (JC was synonymous with the golden age dynasty of the 50’s to early 60’s). I recall George as a very skilful centreman in John Beckwith’s coached teams of the later ‘60’s. Unfortunately injury and form lapses meant his promise was unfulfilled. Russell Colcott flipped the other side of the #39 coin. A forward sans well developed mop of hair with a spectacular leap. Competing against the likes of Ross Dillon and Ray Carr. With Tiger Ridley wielding a pair of scissors list deletion was inevitable. He later joined Big Bob Johnson at Oakleigh in the VFA. Where he flourished on Sundays. In a more tolerant environment, taking some big speccies. Austin Wonaeamirri was a glimmer of hope for the Demon faithful in a barren period for the club. His staring role during his debut season. In the magical comeback win against the Dockers in round 7 2008. Is of course the stuff of legends. Sadly Jim Stynes then Club President and Dean Bailey Coach. Who were closely associated with the early (albeit short lived) success of indigenous players from remote NT communities. Are no longer with us. Austin kicked four fabulously celebrated goals and was nominated as a rising star. Circumstances unfortunately, did not allow Austin Wonaeamirri or Liam Jurrah continued sustained success. But as a comet suddenly appears in the night sky and burns so brightly but briefly. Cameos not to be soon forgotten.

 

Edited March 12 by Tarax Club
39 Steps