RECENTLY retired Fremantle stars Shaun McManus and Peter Bell have begun their mentorship of two draftees by passing on their jumper numbers.

McManus' No. 8 will be worn by Fremantle's 24th pick in the NAB AFL Draft Nick Suban, while Bell's No. 32 will be worn by the third overall pick, Stephen Hill.

Coming from North Ballarat, Suban hadn’t seen a lot of McManus play, but he has quickly learnt what he meant to Fremantle and is honoured to have his number.

"He's the heart and soul of the Fremantle football club and it's an honour to have the No. 8. I haven’t watched a lot of Fremantle, but I know how great his hardness, professionalism and leadership was and I'm really honoured”, Suban said.

"There will be a bit of pressure because of how long he had it, but I just have to try to make it my own and wear it as proudly as I can."

McManus did know a bit about Suban already after being involved in the WA team at the National 18s Championships, and will be watching his development closely.

"I just see Nick having a great opportunity to wear the club jumper firstly, and then forge his own history. Hopefully he does that over the next decade and becomes a premiership player at Fremantle," McManus said.

"I'm involved with the development group and when his name got read out I already knew a lot about him having been involved with the State 18s ... it's an honour to have him playing for our club, let alone wearing the jumper I wore."

While Hill might not be the most watched player in a No. 32 jumper in 2009, he is delighted to be given the honour of Bell's former jumper.

"He was obviously an inspirational captain and great leader for Fremantle, so it's a great honour to have his number. I got told that they were giving it to me and I was rapt because of the history behind it," Hill said.

"I was happy to wear any number as long as it was a Freo jumper, but to have Belly's is a great bonus."

On presenting Hill his old number, Bell had no problem quipping that the new wearer will move a bit quicker than he ever did, and is looking forward to helping out Hill and all the other young players.

"I'm planning on being involved in a mentor role and if that means I cross paths with the likes of Stephen and Nick, that'll be fantastic," Bell said.

"I haven’t seen Stephen play a full game before, only a little on tape, but I know the 32 will be moving at a greater velocity than when I wore it.

"I did feel I needed a break from football but I have a lot of love for the club and want to contribute something to it. I spoke with Chris Bond and Mark Harvey and we decided a mentoring role could be good to help young guys in a ruthless environment. It's something I've never done before, but I'm looking forward to it."

Jeff Farmer's old No. 33 will be worn by Ben Bucovaz, Mark Johnson's 17 by Hayden Ballantyne, and Tim Ruffles will take 35 off Garrick Ibbotson, who will wear No. 5 next year.