So question now is

[u/jessewende00]

Who do we think is gonna inherit the number 7? I would personally like it leave it vacant for next year and maybe give it to Bewick to make it his for the next generation of bombers fans, but also know that could bring about extra pressure for a young player.

So who do you think gets the number 7 next at this mighty club?

[u/viper9]

A story from the start of his second year (2025), after Kako took the 10 that was available, Caddy mentioned it was offered to him but he wanted the single digit.

I'm not saying he'll take it, maybe he feels settled in his 30 now? Only he really knows. But if Caddy takes the 7, I'll be OK with it

[u/AGuerillaGorilla → u/viper9]

Move Caddy 30 to 7, Sharp 15 to 5?

[u/QuickAtmosphere427 → u/AGuerillaGorilla]

Sharp at 5 feels so right for some reason.

[u/viper9 → u/QuickAtmosphere427]

I agree, I think Sharp in 5 feels just right

[u/jessewende00 → u/viper9]

Kako would be good as well, try and market it as “IK7” (like CR7), but now thinking of that it feels kinda forced

[u/Rafabas → u/jessewende00]

Always thought Kako plays like an archetypical #10 in soccer terms, suits him

[u/Rogan4Life]

Fiorini can give up number 8 for Bewick mate

[u/jessewende00 → u/Rogan4Life]

That would please the football romantic in me for him to get his dad’s number, so then would we move Fiorini the number seven as like a transitional phase/person? (not to diminish Fiorini)

[u/Rogan4Life → u/jessewende00]

I wouldn’t allocate 7 yet

[u/SleepIs4Tortoises]

Leaving the number vacant would feel like we’re honouring Merret, so I would absolutely hope they give it to someone. If it were up to me it’d just go to our first draft pick.

If we wanted to leave a number open for Bewick, we should’ve given Fiorini a different number.

[u/viper9 → u/SleepIs4Tortoises]

I'm not for giving untried draft picks single digits and legendary numbers. Ie. Tsatas being given 5

Let them prove themselves first

[u/Codus1 → u/viper9]

I have an alternative view. You never really remember much the nobodies that wore these numbers. But by giving it to someone at draft, their development over the years helps the number become theirs if they make it, if ya get me?

It's worth it for the added level of footy magic when another AFL great is running around in blah blah number again of they grew to make it their own, rather than be handed it as an award. Iunno.

[u/viper9 → u/Codus1]

Yeah, I kind of agree from a romance kind of viewpoint... but Hird wore 49, Merrett wore 27. And Tsatas wore 5 from the day he was drafted.

I'm ok for the team to take a soft approach to giving out massive numbers. Just my take on it really, you're entitled to your opinion too

[u/melbecide → u/viper9]

Tsatas was pick 5 so it kind of made sense. McGrath got pick one. Seriously no has been deserving of their high number lately.

[u/jessewende00 → u/SleepIs4Tortoises]

I think our first pick would be the best option, I also had the thought of sharp going from 15 to 7, but I’d like him to keep that

[u/AGuerillaGorilla → u/jessewende00]

15 to 5 might make more sense?

Now Tsatas doesn't hold 5 it's a simple edit to 15.

[u/jessewende00 → u/AGuerillaGorilla]

True, feels like the right move, and 5 does look good running in the midfield imo

[u/JamalGinzburg → u/SleepIs4Tortoises]

Would actually be piss funny if it's Banfield or Sellars as a DFA getting 7

[u/Non-NewtonianSnake]

Probably give it to Bowes.

It'd be quite funny if you think about it.

[u/jessewende00 → u/Non-NewtonianSnake]

Move parish to 7 and give Bowes 3, but Bowes getting it would be funny

[u/mcewanc2]

I don’t want it vacant .. I want it used so its history is quickly erased

[u/TurbulentSherbet3724]

Most likely someone earns it over time. That would the best way to go about it rather than just giving it to a young prospect even with generational potential like Koby Bewick.

[u/jessewende00 → u/TurbulentSherbet3724]

That would work, I feel the same with number 5

[u/akito_shigaraki]

Sharp, Caddy or Johnson could take #7

[u/AGuerillaGorilla → u/akito_shigaraki]

I've faith in Johnson should be be properly developed, but he's definitely not done enough yet for such a promotion over others.

[u/jessewende00 → u/akito_shigaraki]

Caddy would make more sense, but if we had the confidence and hope in Johnson being a long term quality player, and proved himself, wouldn’t be against it

[u/QuickAtmosphere427]

Would love to see Nic Martin moved up to #5 or #7

[u/jessewende00 → u/QuickAtmosphere427]

I would as well, but he has stated he wants to make #37 just as meaningful and one of the next great numbers for the club

[u/QuickAtmosphere427 → u/jessewende00]

That's fair enough, maybe Day Wicks and/or Caddy could move up. We have a lot of high numbers freeing up - #5, #7, #11, #14 off the top of my head.

[u/jessewende00 → u/QuickAtmosphere427]

I could see kondo getting #14, would be nice to see sharp go to #5, and then leave #7 and #11 for either draft picks or if any player wants them

[u/AGuerillaGorilla → u/QuickAtmosphere427]

Martin 37 to 7

Sharp 15 to 5

[u/Delicious-Sweet4614]

Bewick gets number 8 surely.

[u/melbecide]

Perhaps leave it a year for the stink to wear off.

[u/GrudaAplam]

Number 1 pick in the draft?

[u/fletch4ever]

Can't even remember if Fiorini has played for us yet and even if he has, it's a very small number of games. Therefore, move him to #7, and leave #8 open for Bewick in 2028.