MELBOURNE’S famous No.6 guernsey has remained vacant since the seventh AFLW season, with the club opting to honour the legacy of retired premiership captain and AFLW pioneer Daisy Pearce.

Now, one year on, the Dees will reintroduce the beloved number, passing on the legacy of the jumper to young star Alyssa Bannan. 

Bannan, who was selected with Melbourne’s first pick (No.5) in the 2020 AFLW Draft, quickly became a fan-favourite among the Demon faithful thanks to her exciting speed, athleticism, and aerial ability.

With 48 games to her name at just 22 years old, Bannan made her debut in Round 1 2021 and hasn’t missed a game since, including the 2022 Premiership.

2023 was her best season to-date, kicking a career-high 13 goals and averaging 9 disposals across her twelve games.

Bannan said she was humbled to be taking on a jumper that is such an integral part of the club’s history.

“It’s very important to the club because of Daisy’s impact on us,” Bannan told Melbourne Media.

It’s such a huge honour and I’m very excited to be able to wear it this season.”

Pearce was Melbourne’s inaugural AFLW signing, going on to play 55 games in the red and blue – all of which she captained – across six seasons.

During her time in the No.6 guernsey she claimed three club best and fairest awards, three All Australian selections and finished her career with the ultimate success - helping the club to its maiden AFLW premiership.

While Pearce is no longer a part of Melbourne in a physical role, Bannan reflected on the lasting legacy that she left on the club and what she means to her as a role model.

“I played in the forward line with Daisy and having that connection with her and being able to grow and learn has really helped me find my feed in this team,” Bannan said.

“She is just such an incredible person, I was lucky enough to be led by her for five seasons.

She’s a trailblazer for women’s footy and has helped bring women’s football to where it is today.

“Being able to share so much of my AFLW career with her, learn from her and now to be able to play with her number, it’s something I’m never going to take for granted.

“Hopefully I can do everyone proud because she means so much to this club and to me and hopefully I get to continue her legacy through this number."

Melbourne will release its full 2024 AFLW jumper number list tomorrow, with the team introducing eight new Demons into the club for the upcoming season.