Countdown to Round 1, 2026. Day 1: Essendon Guernsey Number 1

Don TheStat
2 hours ago
2 min read

With one day to go until Essendon opens the 2026 season against Hawthorn, Don The Stat reaches the final entry in its guernsey countdown with one of the most significant numbers in the club’s history — Guernsey Number 1.

Jumper Number 1 has long been associated with stars and leaders at Essendon, a number traditionally worn by players trusted with responsibility and influence.

The story of Number 1 begins in 1911, when guernsey numbers were first introduced for Essendon during the finals series. The first Bomber to wear Number 1 was Lou Armstrong, who pulled on the jumper in both the 1911 Semi Final win over Carlton and the 1911 Grand Final victory over Collingwood, helping Essendon secure its third VFL Premiership.

From the very first numbered match Essendon played, Number 1 was worn in a flag.

Over the decades, the jumper passed through many hands — sometimes briefly, sometimes for long stretches — but always onto players the club trusted.

Milestone players in Guernsey Number 1

50+ games

Syd Barker, Vic Fisher, Michael Hibberd

100+ games

Keith Forbes, Ernie Coward, Neville Fields

150+ games

Allan Belcher, Mark Harvey, Mark Johnson, Andrew McGrath

250+ games

Jack Clarke

The benchmark for longevity in Guernsey Number 1 belongs to Jack Clarke, who played 263 games in the jumper between 1951 and 1967, a record that still stands.

In the modern era, the jumper has continued to be worn by influential figures at the club. Most recently, Andrew McGrath has worn Number 1 since 2017, and he will continue to do so in 2026 as Essendon captain, adding another leadership chapter to the jumper’s long history.

Guernsey Number 1 has featured in Essendon Premiership teams across multiple eras, including 1911, 1912, 1923, 1942, 1946, 1949, 1962, 1965, 1984, 1993, and 2000, worn by players who helped shape the club’s greatest moments.