In turn, this begs a question. If we were able to bring together all those who have worn the Old Dark Navy Blue since 1911 – when individual numbers were first introduced into the VFL – which guernsey would provide the most accomplished team? If it were possible, how good would it have been to see Brendan Fevola in the same team as Alex Jesaulenko - or Andrew Walker running out onto the field alongside Stephen and Sergio Silvagni, Horrie Clover and Ken Hands?
With this in mind, the Blueseum has delved into our archives to select our best Carlton teams by guernsey number. For the purpose of the exercise we have assumed that all our players are in their prime, and if they have swapped jumpers during their career (as many did in the early years) then they are eligible for multiple selection. Team balance is regarded as a priority (that is, players have to be selected in their correct positions) and we have employed the modern formation of 18 a side, with four on the interchange bench.
On average, 28 young men have worn the Carlton guernseys numbered from 2 to 31 (as well as number 34) since 1911. All the others are presently ineligible because they haven’t yet fielded enough players to make up a team. Remarkably, this includes our iconic number 1 – which has graced only 16 individuals during the last 98 years, albeit each with an impressive average of 82 games per player.
We begin with a special mention for guernsey 21. Despite having only 24 men to choose from, this number still creates a team that is strong from goal to goal, solid in defence, and dangerous up forward. Featuring Ken Baxter at full-forward and captain Craig Bradley in the centre, it would be a daunting proposition for any opposing side. Without a proven centre half-back to call on, current Blue Mark Austin gets the opportunity to partner his namesake Rod ‘Curly’ Austin on the first line of defence.
Team No. 6 - Guernsey 21:
Next, we launch our top five with guernsey number 2; a physically impressive team captained by club legend John Nicholls. The strength of this combination is in its ruck division of Nicholls, ‘Wow’ Jones, Jim Marchbank and Bill Milroy. With ‘Diesel’ Williams in the centre, rovers Brett Backwell and Percy Daykin could expect plenty of the football. And after an impressive beginning to what looms as a lengthy career, Jordan Russell earns a place at half-back.
Team No. 5 - Guernsey 2:
In fourth place is team number 7, led by Carlton’s current senior coach Brett Ratten. The absence of a specialist ruckman is a concern, but a brilliant centre line and a versatile attack featuring Wayne ‘Dominator’ Johnston, Keith Warburton and Jack Carney still makes this team a formidable opponent.
Team No. 4 - Guernsey 7:
Ranked third is number 11, famously worn by the legendary Bruce Doull in four Grand Final victories for the Blues. At centre half-back, the ‘Flying Doormat’ heads up an imposing back six, with captain Rod McGregor in the centre. Although the team lacks a recognised full-forward, there is plenty of goal-kicking ability among the flankers and rovers. Journeymen Barnaby French and Mark Porter are handed the ruck duties, with unlucky 2009 recruit Robbie Warnock on the bench.
Team No. 3 - Guernsey 11:
Our runner-up spot goes to guernsey number 5, under the astute leadership of 1938 Premiership captain-coach Brighton Diggins. With recognised greats on five of the six lines (McKay, Henfry, Jackson, Sheldon and Judd) this team almost has it all. The only glaring deficiency is at centre half-forward – where a sentimental favourite, Josh Kennedy, gets his opportunity to blossom. At full-back and full-forward respectively are George Bailey and Gerald Burke - two under-rated talents who we are sure would be stars in this team.
Team No. 2 - Guernsey 5:
And so we come to the pick of the litter; the combination that gets the Blueseum’s nod as the outstanding Carlton team selected on the basis of guernsey number. While most of the others took considerable research and a lot of thought, deciding the winner was relatively easy.
Why? Because once we saw a goal-to-goal line to set every Bluebagger’s heart racing, and a half-forward combination as good as any that has ever been assembled – the winner just had to be guernsey number 4.
Led by champion forward Stephen ‘Sticks’ Kernahan, and anchored again by Bruce Doull, this team’s attack would be just about unstoppable. With its super half-back line, an honest and reliable ruck division, and an emerging star in Bryce Gibbs in the centre, it’s easy to see why we just adore the mighty number four!
Team No. 1 - Guernsey 4: