Countdown to Round 1, 2026 - Day 20: Essendon Guernsey Number 20

With 20 days to go until Essendon’s Round 1 clash, Don The Stat continues its daily countdown through the club’s guernsey history with Guernsey Number 20.

Guernsey numbers were first worn by Essendon during the 1911 finals series, and the first Bomber to wear Number 20 was Bill Walker, who wore the jumper across 1912 and 1913. Walker went on to become a member of Essendon’s 1912 Premiership side, giving the number an immediate place in club history.

Across the decades that followed, Number 20 became associated with long service and consistent performance. Joe Hammond wore the jumper from 1925 to 1932, playing 122 games, before Hugh Torney took over from 1933 to 1943, playing 173 games and featuring in the 1942 Premiership team.

Following World War II, Bill Pearson wore Number 20 during the 1945–1947 seasons, including Essendon’s 1946 Premiership, before passing the jumper to Ted Fordham.

Fordham wore Number 20 from 1961 to 1969, playing 128 games and kicking 214 goals. He was a key contributor to the 1965 Premiership side, and his goal tally ranks 9th all-time in VFL/AFL history for goals kicked in the number.

The jumper remained prominent into the modern era, worn by Tony Buhagiar (1981–1984), Henry Slattery (2006–2012), and Jackson Merrett (2013–2018).

Since 2021, Guernsey Number 20 has been worn by Peter Wright, who continues in the jumper into 2026, adding to a long and productive lineage.

Milestone Players in Guernsey Number 20

• 50+ games (5) Bill Pearson (51), Jim Carstairs (71), Tony Buhagiar (83), Henry Slattery (92), Jackson Merrett (55), Peter Wright (86)

• 100+ games (2) Joe Hammond (122), Ted Fordham (128)

• 150+ games (1) Hugh Torney (173)

Guernsey Number 20 stands as a symbol of longevity, forward firepower, and Premiership success throughout Essendon’s history.

Next up: Day 19 and Jumper Number 19.