More numbers announced at 12pm
Caleb Daniel
Lin Jong
Bailey Dale
Jordan Roughead
Bailey Williams
Magic McLean
Dad Collins
Tom Boyd
Josh Dunkley
JJ
Liam Picken
Tim English
Shane Biggs
Lukas Webb
More numbers announced at 12pm
FFC: Established 1883
Premierships: AFL 1954, 2016 VFA - 1898,99,1900, 1908, 1913, 1919-20, 1923-24, VFL: 2014, 2016 . Champions of Victoria 1924. AFLW - 2018.
Emerging Western Bulldogs defender Lewis Young given Bob Murphy’s No.2 jumper
A SKINNY long-sleeved defender wearing No.2 for the Western Bulldogs. Sound familiar?
Bob Murphy’s iconic jumper number has been handed to his rapidly emerging former teammate, Lewis Young.
Young rocketed to notoriety in Round 17 last season when his 21-disposal, nine-mark game against Adelaide earned rave reviews.
The youngest player in the competition this year, Young went on to play the last seven consecutive games, impressing with his composure, confidence and awareness.
Young yesterday donned his new No.2 at the Whitten Oval beside Josh Dunkley, who has inherited Matthew Boyd’s No.5.
“It’s an honour to take over from Bob, who has been such a trademark player for this club for such a long time,” Young told the Herald Sun.
“’Bevo’ (coach Luke Beveridge) rang me the day before pre-season started and said: ‘The No.2 is up for grabs and we’d love you to wear it’. It was terrific to be asked by the coach.
“I’m not sure I was surprised, but I was actually quite proud of myself that I had got to a point where they would offer me that number. I was more humbled.”
Young only scraped into last year’s national draft by 11 days, with the Dogs plucking him with pick 49. He doesn’t turn 19 until later this month.
Despite being made to wait for his AFL debut, the next six games came quickly, something Young said had given him a huge lift coming into his season pre-season.
“It’s massive for me. Knowing the coaches had faith to play me in all seven of those games and being able to perform and stand up at that level was a massive confidence booster,” he said.
“You put it into this pre-season and you almost walk a little bit taller, just knowing you can match it with these guys.”
He said taking one of the Dogs’ most famous numbers of the modern era wouldn’t add pressure
“I think all that comes externally. There may be fans who see me as the next Bob Murphy, but in many ways it is just a number,” Young said.
“It’s an honour to take it from Bob, but it’s more about playing good footy in the red, white and blue than what number you’ve got on your back.
“The pre-season has been really good so far, the coaches are happy, everyone is in good shape and a quick bounce back is hopefully on the cards.”
Lewis Young didn't even make the poll!
Good luck fellas - looking forward to watching you both run out in your new numbers in season 2018
Anyone can support a team that is winning, it takes no courage. But to stand behind a team, to defend a team when it is down and really needs you, that takes a lot of courage, so lets always be behind our boys and girls in red, white and blue.
Getting such important numbers. I hope they sign 5 year extensions and apply themselves every single second. I'm not up for another player like A. Everitt disrespecting our club and a proud jumper numbers heritage.
Rocket Science: the epitaph for the Beveridge era - whenever it ends - reading 'Here lies a team that could beat anyone on its day, but seldom did when it mattered most'. 15/7/2023
8, 9, 13, 20, 33, 26, 28, 45
All available
FFC: Established 1883
Premierships: AFL 1954, 2016 VFA - 1898,99,1900, 1908, 1913, 1919-20, 1923-24, VFL: 2014, 2016 . Champions of Victoria 1924. AFLW - 2018.
At the end of the day, part of me says they are just numbers.
But at a footy club with rich history, the numbers can take on a bit of a personality themselves.
The club must be very excited by Young's prospects. Dunkley had a down second year but happy enough with him taking on 5.
8 goes to Trengove
Not a big deal, but I feel a bit funny about a premiership player changing their number. 5 is a good honor at our club though, so well done Dunks....just thought you’d be 20 forever
Float Along - Fill Your Lungs
Number 9 to Crozier
FFC: Established 1883
Premierships: AFL 1954, 2016 VFA - 1898,99,1900, 1908, 1913, 1919-20, 1923-24, VFL: 2014, 2016 . Champions of Victoria 1924. AFLW - 2018.