North Melbourne Tasmanian Kangaroos' star Daisy Bateman talks about the significance of the number 11 jumper.
Daisy was the first AFLW player to don the famous jumper.
On face value, the numbers on the backs of our jumpers are just a symbol for identification but there’s a lot more to it than meets the eye.
Just ask 2020 Syd Barker Medal winner, Luke McDonald.
“When I was handed the number 11 it came with a lot of responsibility and an expectation that I had to play a certain way,” he told me during a recent sit-down interview.
McDonald took on the jumper made famous by the likes of Jim Malone, Glenn Archer and Michael ‘Spud’ Firrito, and had some big shoes to fill.
“I wore number 21 for the first three years of my career,” Luke said.
“I had played 50 games in the number 21 so I never thought I would change it. At the end of his career, ‘Spud’ offered me 11 and he was a great mentor for me so I didn’t hesitate.
“I then thought about Glenn Archer, who was the Shinboner of the Century, and the way he played inspired me, so at the end of the day ‘Spud’s’ offer was a no-brainer and I was honoured to receive it.”
Luke’s father, Donald McDonald, played 155 games for North and he grew up a big fan of the Kangaroos. To this day, the younger McDonald finds it surreal to be following in his dad’s footsteps, but he acknowledges it also adds further pressure on him to perform.
“I look at my jumper before every game and think about how lucky I am to be playing in the number 11, but I have the mindset now that I want to make it my own.
“I want to make my own mark on that number, just like the boys that went before me.”
McDonald has well and truly made that mark and jokes that he can now call Firrito and Archer and say, “It’s the first time a number 11 has won a Syd Barker Medal.”.
When I was given the opportunity to wear number 11 at North Melbourne for the AFLW team, I must admit I had no idea of the amazing history and legendary stories that sat behind it.
To find out ‘Spud’ had played 275 games in it, ‘Arch’ 311 games, and Luke 126 games, and the amazing regard they’re held in, highlights the amazing history and significance of the guernsey.
Like Luke, and as its first female custodian, I’m hoping to blaze a new path for the number and make my own mark.
For me, the number has always had a special place as I wore it playing basketball when I was younger. I feel fortunate to be able to wear it at Arden St and want to further enhance its reputation.
I may have only played 19 games but by the time I hand it over to the next player coming through, I hope she’s as inspired and empowered, and feels honoured to follow on from me, just like Luke, Spud and Arch were when they had it passed on to them.
