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AFL.com.au reviews which jumper numbers are available at Fremantle for the 2018 season.
Numbers available: 3, 5, 8, 12, 14, 17, 24, 29, 30, 39, 40, 41, 42
The Fremantle Dockers need to make a decision on the availability of the No.29 worn by champion forward Matthew Pavlich in 353 games. The number was 'rested' in 2017, but the view of the club's greatest ever player was that "someone should wear it in the future". Defender Zac Dawson's retirement has opened up No.3, with the No.5 vacated by Garrick Ibbotson also likely to go to one of the club's two prized first-round draftees later this month. The No.8 once worn by courageous club favourite Shaun McManus is available after Nick Suban was delisted, while someone will be given the chance to make No.12 – which has never been worn by the same player for 100 games – their own after ruckman Jonathon Griffin was delisted. The shock defection of Lachie Weller to Gold Coast has opened up No.14, worn most famously by tough defender Antoni Grover (202 games). Hayden Crozier has joined the Western Bulldogs, with a new player set to snap up No.17. No player has chalked up more than Matthew 'Spider' Burton's 70 games in No.24, which is now free after Harley Balic joined Melbourne. Ruckman Zac Clarke has vacated No.30, with No.39 (Josh Deluca), No.40 (Sam Collins), No.41 (Shane Yarran) and No.42 (Matthew Uebergang) also free.
Did you know? The vacant No.8 jumper has been worn by only two players – Shaun McManus and Nick Suban – the fewest of the numbers that have been active in each of the Dockers' 23 seasons. - Nathan Schmook