Dal Santo's number change
He has just changed clubs, now star midfielder Nick Dal Santo is about to change numbers.
NMFC.com.au can reveal the former Saint will be completely switching his on-field appearance going from number 26, to number 15 with North.
Taylor Hine already has the number 26 and when Dal Santo arrived at the Roos, he joked he may have to twist the youngster’s arm in order to convince him to give it up.
“I think Taylor will be getting a phone call about that,” Dal Santo said laughing.
“No, in all honesty, I wouldn’t do that to him. I’m open to changing numbers.”
A man of his word, Dal Santo happily selected 15 instead. It’s a number that comes with great responsibility, having been donned by club greats such as Malcolm Blight, Peter Steward and Ross Smith.
“It’s actually a number I’ve worn before in my junior football days so I’m happy to have it back. I think coming to North is like a fresh start for me so it will be good to make a mark at the club with a new number.”
Follow North’s new history account on Twitter for your chance to win a Nick Dal Santo signed number 15 jumper
Excitement machine Winston Abraham also wore the jumper in the 1999 Grand Final win and Harry Clapson booted a goal in the number 15 during North’s first ever VFL game.
In all, 31 players have previously held the number in VFL/AFL ranks.
Most recently, Luke Delaney played 18 games with 15 on his back before being traded to St Kilda.
Meanwhile, Father/Son selection Luke McDonald will wear number 21 in his first season at North.
Previously worn by Cameron Richardson, it’s another jumper that carries great significance. John Byrne had it for eight seasons, including the famous Grand Final replay of 1977 when he had 29 possessions and two goals.
Corey Jones enjoyed a distinguished career and booted 216 goals from 157 games, while Kevin McMahon pulled on the royal blue and white on 118 occasions during the 1950’s.
29 players have donned the number 21 in North’s VFL/AFL history.
McDonald’s father Donald had number 25 during his playing career, which is currently worn by Robbie Tarrant.
Click here for the full player jumper history