Countdown to Round 1, 2026. Day 22: Essendon Guernsey Number 22

With 22 days to go until Essendon’s Round 1 clash with Hawthorn, Don The Stat continues its daily countdown through Essendon’s guernsey history.

Guernsey Number 22 has been worn by Essendon players across more than a century, and is most strongly associated with elite goalkicking and Premiership success.

The jumper found early impact through Ernie Lumsden, who wore #22 from 1913 to 1915, kicking 49 goals in 34 games.

Its defining era came through Gordon Lane, who wore Guernsey Number 22 from 1940 to 1949, playing 131 games and kicking 256 goals. Lane was a member of Essendon’s 1942, 1946 and 1949 Premiership sides, and ranks fourth all-time across the VFL/AFL for goals kicked in the number.

The number continued to feature in Premiership success through Bill Duckworth, who wore #22 from 1982 to 1990, playing 126 games and contributing to Essendon’s 1984 and 1985 Premiership teams.

In 2000, John Barnes wore Guernsey Number 22 during his return to Essendon, adding another Premiership to the jumper’s history. Barnes had worn Guernsey Number 20 during his first stint at the club before returning in #22.

The current wearer of Guernsey Number 22 is Sam Durham, who has worn the jumper since 2022 and will continue into 2026 as a member of our Leadership Group.

Milestone players in Guernsey Number 22

• 50+ games(5) Jeff Gamble (90), Jake Carlisle (85), Sam Durham (84), Frank Nash (80), Ben Doolan (76)

• 100+ games (2) Gordon Lane (131), Bill Duckworth (126)

• 150+ games (1) John Williams (161)

Guernsey Number 22 stands as a symbol of scoring impact and Premiership pedigree at the Essendon Football Club.

Next up: Day 21 and Jumper Number 21.