North Melbourne rising star Bailey Scott will wear the number 8 guernsey in 2020, the jumper his father Robert wore with with pride throughout the 1990’s.

Robert played 113 games in the number 8, including the 1996 premiership, and kicked 58 goals. 

“Obviously if it weren’t for Dad, I wouldn’t have had the option to choose North and now to have the opportunity to wear the same number as him is pretty special,” Scott told North Media. 

The number 8 has a rich history at North, boasting the likes of dual premiership player Brent Crosswell in the 70’s, Phil Krakouer in the 80’s, and more recently Daniel Wells, who played 243 games.  

“There’s been some quality players wear number 8 at North and it’s an honour to have the chance to join them,” Scott said.

“I grew up wearing the number 8 on my back, and ‘Wellsy’ has been keen to see me get to wear it, because I used to hang around the rooms in the number 8.” 

Scott takes over the number 8 from Nathan Hrovat.  

“‘Rat’ promised it (the number 8) to me if I picked North (before being drafted),” he revealed.

 “I’m sure my old man, ‘Wellsy’ and ‘Rat’ will be very happy to see me in it.”