Alex Jesaulenko ensures No.25 is etched into footy folklore with his leap in the 1970 Grand Final. Picture: Bruce Howard Source: News Limited
CARLTON and Adelaide have both had several famous numbers in their respective histories, but which is the greatest?
Each week Glenn McFarlane will nominate the best numbers from two AFL clubs and then we'll hand it over to you to judge the greatest.
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See Glenn's nominees below and cast your vote.
ADELAIDE
32
Famously worn by: Mark Ricciuto, Patrick Dangerfield
There could hardly have been a more fitting handover of one of Adelaide's most revered numbers, from Brownlow winner Mark Ricciuto to the man who resembles him most in the modern era, Patrick Dangerfield. Both possess like-minded attributes — hard at the ball, capable of team-lifting, inspirational acts, yet blessed with the skills and temperament to match. No.32 was first worn at the Crows by Bruce Lindsay for six games in 1991.
Don't mess with No. 32 at Adelaide. Source: News Limited
23
Andrew McLeod
Arguably Adelaide's best footballer, McLeod made the No.23 synonymous with the Crows. His wife even wore the number emblazoned on her back at a Brownlow Medal function. No jumper has been worn in more games in the club's history. Now worn by Jared Petrenko.
Rachel McLeod is a big fan of No. 23. Source: Supplied
7
Nigel Smart, Nathan Van Berlo
Smart was a crucial member of the Crows' back-to-back flag defence, as well as winning All-Australian selection. Nathan Van Berlo has served the club with distinction for a number of years and has been skipper for the past four seasons.
Rory Sloane wears No.9 with distinction. Source: News Corp Australia
9
Tyson Edwards, Rory Sloane
Edwards was one of the Crows' most consistent footballers over a long period of time, being one of only four players to reach 300 games at the club. Rory Sloane's career is still very much on the ascent, but he has already shown enough to justify his elevation to the No. 9 guernsey.
What is Adelaide's greatest number?
CARLTON
25
Famously worn by: Alex Jesaulenko, Brendan Fevola, Jim Baird
Jezza brought down the most famous mark in football, in the 1970 Grand Final, and he and Brendan Fevola kicked a remarkable 999 goals between them. Both made the No. 25 one of the most adorned on jumpers in their time. And don't forget dual premiership player Jim Baird, who played in defence in the 1945 flag and kicked three goals in the Blues' 1947 triumph.
Greg Williams celebrates a goal in the 1995 Grand Final. Source: News Corp Australia
2
John Nicholls, Greg Williams
Two of the greatest footballers in the history of Carlton, Nicholls and Williams were a generation apart, but both contributed immensely to the club's success. Nicholls was a champion of the highest order, as a dominant ruckman as well as inspirational on-field leader, a premiership-winning captain-coach and five-time best-and-fairest winner. Williams won his second Brownlow Medal in navy Blue and was an outstanding player at the club that had originally rejected him.
Stephen Silvagni prepares for a heavy landing. Source: News Limited
1
Stephen Silvagni, Sergio Silvagni, Ken Hands
Rated as one of the great father-son combinations, Sergio and Stephen Silvagni made enormous contributions to the Carlton Football Club during some of its most successful seasons. Both won best-and-fairests (Sergio one, Stephen two). SOS (Son of Serge) would become the AFL's Team of the Century full-back.
The No.11 was just one of the recognisable items in Bruce Doull's wardrobe. Source: News Limited
11
Rod McGregor, Bruce Doull, Laurie Kerr
Another famous Carlton jumper worn by three of the club's stars. Bruce Doull rates as highly as almost anyone who has worn the Carlton jumper, while Rod McGregor was a gun centreman who played in two flags and, like Doull, was one of the original intake of the Australian football Hall of Fame. While Doull was half-back flank in the Blues' Team of the Century, McGregor and Laurie Kerr were emergencies in the side.
4
Stephen Kernahan, Peter Bosustow, Bryce Gibbs
Kernahan has served Carlton in many capacities, but it was his role as captain that stamped him one of the greatest figures in the club's history. No one has kicked more goals at Carlton (738) and no one has led the team on more occasions (226). He was chosen as leader of the Blues' Team of the Century. Bosustow's career was short-lived but spectacular, flashing like a comet and gone far too soon. And Bryce Gibbs has worn the No. 4 in 165 matches.
What is Carlton's greatest number?
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