The Professor who is bringing us that interesting series on club jumper numbers sent me an email today warning of the dangers of wearing the number 38 based on the experience of recent years.

Back in 1993, David Neitz wore the jumper in his debut season but he soon grabbed the number 9 and made it famous at the club. Martin Heppell from St. Kilda took it over in 1995 and he was followed by Darren O'Brien (1996-7) who was the last player to wear the number in a senior AFL game with the Demons.

Since that time the jumper has been held by -

1998 Brent Williams

1999 -2000 Luke Taylor ®

2001 - 2003 Daniel Breese

2004 Joel Campbell ®

2005 Brendan Van Schaik ®

2006 - 2007 Daniel Hughes ®

Jumper 39 hasn't fared much better since it was last worn by Craig Smoker in 1999. The # 39 locker has been occupied this century by -

2000 Michael Clark (who finally got a game in 2002 but only after switching to number 17)

2001 Mitchell Craig

2003 Ezra Poyas ®

2006 - 2007 Shane Neaves ®

Moral of the story - stay away from these numbers?

I think the moral of the story is to stop giving these numbers to duds if we want to see them on the field.

Aside from Neitz, the No 38 has been an ordinary number for MFC.

In fact, can anyone name a player from any Club that has had a prominent AFL career and worn the Number 38 guernsey? Can't think of one myself.

Interesting considering No 42,43 and 44 have carried their fair share of champion players.

Aside from Neitz, the No 38 has been an ordinary number for MFC.

In fact, can anyone name a player from any Club that has had a prominent AFL career and worn the Number 38 guernsey? Can't think of one myself.

Interesting considering No 42,43 and 44 have carried their fair share of champion players.

Ray Nilsson anyone. He was good enough to play in a Premiership team, a lot of Melbourne players have recently failed to do so.

Ray Nilsson anyone. He was good enough to play in a Premiership team, a lot of Melbourne players have recently failed to do so.

I have no idea who Ray Nilsson is.

Ray Nilsson anyone. He was good enough to play in a Premiership team, a lot of Melbourne players have recently failed to do so.

Who??

There a number of players over the years who by fate or other matters get to play in a premiership. They are generally no 22 selected in that team. It recognises their good fortune but does not vindicate their talent. Steven Armstrong and Shannon Motlop are 2 such players.

Are there any famous No 38's ? (I dont mean Pamela Anderson! )

Who??

There a number of players over the years who by fate or other matters get to play in a premiership. They are generally no 22 selected in that team. It recognises their good fortune but does not vindicate their talent. Steven Armstrong and Shannon Motlop are 2 such players.

Are there any famous No 38's ? (I dont mean Pamela Anderson! )

Ray was on the bench in the 1960 premiership side in his first year at the club. He came through the 3rds and as a rover-forward averaged better than a goal a game. Played 41 games with Melbourne and 21 for South. And back in those dark days there were only two on the bench so he was at least the 20th best available. Notwithstanding any luck Nilsson may have had he was in some pretty good company.

1960 Premiers

Ray was on the bench in the 1960 premiership side in his first year at the club. He came through the 3rds and as a rover-forward averaged better than a goal a game. Played 41 games with Melbourne and 21 for South. And back in those dark days there were only two on the bench so he was at least the 20th best available. Notwithstanding any luck Nilsson may have had he was in some pretty good company.

1960 Premiers

Thanks Champ.

As 20th man, did he get a run?

Its funny when you get those brilliant teams with consecutive premierships that besides the stars there are those that can count themselves fortunate for being in the right place at the right time. Martin Pike was the ultimate. A good player, a feral ratbag off the field but 4 flags...

Ray was on the bench in the 1960 premiership side in his first year at the club. He came through the 3rds and as a rover-forward averaged better than a goal a game. Played 41 games with Melbourne and 21 for South. And back in those dark days there were only two on the bench so he was at least the 20th best available. Notwithstanding any luck Nilsson may have had he was in some pretty good company.

1960 Premiers

Ray Nilsson was a one hit wonder and I much preferred Harry Nilsson myself. Ray played with John Lord but Harry thought the Lord lived in New York City. His other hit was Without You. Like his mate John Lennon, Harry died at a relatively young age. Don't know if he ever wore #38.

Ray Nilsson was a one hit wonder and I much preferred Harry Nilsson myself. Ray played with John Lord but Harry thought the Lord lived in New York City. His other hit was Without You. Like his mate John Lennon, Harry died at a relatively young age. Don't know if he ever wore #38.

I doubt he did wear number 38, but I'm pretty sure he put the lime in the coconut and drank 'em both up!!

Well, it seems that the warning has been heeded.

Nobody at the club has been given the # 38.

Well, it seems that the warning has been heeded.

Nobody at the club has been given the # 38.

Doesn't that put Austin Woneamirri in the hot seat with 39?