The Fremantle Dockers have allocated jumper numbers to their four new recruits, while Harley Bennell has made a switch as he too looks to make his Freo debut in 2017.
Bradley Hill and Bennell make a return to their junior footy days after requesting nine and 13 respectively, while newcomers Joel Hamling (21), Shane Kersten (22) and Cam McCarthy (23) will suit up alongside each other in the Fremantle change room.
102-game player Tendai Mzungu played the most games for Fremantle in the number 13, and to Bennell, the number has a personal significance.
“It’s a lucky number in my family,” Bennell said.
“Me and all of my brothers wore it in their junior footy days, so it ‘s good to be able to pull that number on again in Freo colours.”
In number 9, Hill pulls on the number worn by inaugural Doig Medallist and former captain Peter Mann, as well as Matthew Carr and Matt de Boer who both played more than 100 games for Fremantle.
“The reason I requested number 9 is because it’s the number I always wore playing junior footy,” said Hill, who alongside brother Stephen Hill are past players at Quinns Districts Junior Football Club.
“I had number 9 from when I started playing footy until I was about 17, so when I saw that number available I requested it.”
But for Hill, number 9 has an added bonus, with good mate Michael Walters established in number 10.
“It’s also good to get next to Sonny in the locker room,” Hill said.
“I’m sure there will be a fair bit of banter going on there.
“I’ve known him for a fair while too. Stephen’s been at the club for about eight years, so I met Sonny when I was about 16. I’ve known him for a while and we get along really well.”
Two other friends will remain close in the locker-room too, with ex-Geelong teammates Joel Hamling and Shane Kersten next to each other.
In number 21, Hamling takes on a number previously worn by 126 game player Michael Barlow.
“To come back with Shane, I’m really close with him and I’ve got a locker next to him,” Hamling said.
“We’re like brothers pretty much and to play with him along with 43 other teammates for the Fremantle Football Club will be amazing.”
Kersten will also be alongside fellow forward Cam McCarthy.
McCarthy takes on a famous number at the club, with 23 only previously worn by Life Members Chris Mayne (172 games) and Shane Parker (238 games).
