THE NO.20 guernsey has a long and distinguished history at Geelong and Ryan Gardner – the Cats' first pick (No.65 overall) in the 2015 NAB AFL Draft – hopes he can continue the legacy.
The Cats finalised the allocation of their jumper numbers for 2016, with high-profile recruits Zac Smith (No.9), Scott Selwood (No.16) and Lachie Henderson (No.25) all set to wear different numbers to the ones they donned at Gold Coast, West Coast and Carlton respectively.
As previously flagged, star midfielder Patrick Dangerfield will wear No.35 – the jumper he wore while playing for the Geelong Falcons in the TAC Cup.
Steve Johnson and Edward 'Carji' Greeves are previous owners of the No.20 jumper and the key defender understands he has a lot to live up to.
"I'm happy to have the number but it's more about making my own legacy," Gardner said on Tuesday.
Sam Menegola has inherited Mathew Stokes' No.27 guernsey, Wylie Buzza will wear the No.12, while Matthew Hayball will pull on the No.15 jumper next season.
Rookie picks Jock Cornell (No.17), James Parsons (No.34) and Tom Ruggles (No.36) have also been assigned their playing guernesys.
Geelong football manager Steve Hocking explained the rationale behind handing the players their jumper numbers.
“We know that supporters are very interested in what numbers our players will wear,” Hocking said.
"This year we allowed the players that joined us via trade or free agency to select a number from those available. With our draftees we utilised the same system that we have adhered to in recent years in giving our highest picks the jumpers most recently worn by departing premiership players.
"While numbers carry historical significance due to the standing of the players that have worn those numbers previously, every player will have the chance to add to that legacy by their actions now they have joined the club."
Geelong draftees James Parsons, Tom Ruggles, Jock Cornell, Wylie Buzza, Matthew Hayball, Sam Menegola and Ryan Gardner with their new numbers. Picture: Ben Guthrie
