MELBOURNE has released its guernsey numbers for 2012.

 

On the back of president Jim Stynes handing the No.11 jumper to boom recruit Mitch Clark on Monday, five players have switched numbers.

 

The changes are Sam Blease from No.46 to No.17, James Strauss (No.47 to No.19), Tom McDonald (No.43 to No.25), Dan Nicholson (No.49 to No.26) and Michael Evans (No.50 to No.32).

 

Melbourne’s recent draftees have also been allocated their numbers: James Sellar (No.30), Rory Taggert (No.43) and Josh Tynan (No.46).

 

The elevation of Blease to No.17 is significant for the emerging midfielder/half-back. It was the number his late father wore during his playing days in suburban Melbourne football.

 

Interestingly, Blease was selected at No.17 in the 2008 NAB AFL Draft. And James Strauss, who was chosen at No.19 in the same meeting, has also claimed his draft number.

 

New Casey coach Brett Lovett has played the most matches for Melbourne in the No.17 jumper, while Allan La Fontaine won four best and fairest in the same number.

Rookies Nicholson and Evans have been rewarded with their impressive efforts in 2011 with higher numbers.

 

 
1. -
2. Nathan Jones
3. Clint Bartram
4. Jack Watts
5. Jordan Gysberts
6. Matthew Bate
7. Jamie Bennell
8. James Frawley
9. Jack Trengove
10. Cale Morton
11. Mitch Clark
12. Colin Sylvia
13. Jordie McKenzie
14. Lynden Dunn
15. Ricky Petterd
16. Jack Grimes
17. Sam Blease
18. Brad Green
19. James Strauss
20. Colin Garland
21. Lucas Cook
22. Brent Moloney
23. -
24. Liam Jurrah
25. Tom McDonald
26. Daniel Nicholson
27. Jared Rivers
28. Joel Macdonald
29. -
30. James Sellar
31. -
32. Michael Evans
33. -
34. Stefan Martin
35. Luke Tapscott
36. Aaron Davey  
37. Max Gawn
38. Jeremy Howe
39. Neville Jetta
40. Mark Jamar
41. Troy Davis
42. Jake Spencer

43. Rory Taggert

44. Rohan Bail

45. Kelvin Lawrence

46. Josh Tynan

47. -

48. Jack Fitzpatrick