Countdown to Round 1, 2026. Day 24: Essendon Guernsey Number 24

With 24 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 24 is one of the club’s great endurance numbers, worn by players who combined longevity with Premiership success across multiple eras.

The jumper’s first major custodian was Frank Maher, who wore #24 from 1921 to 1928, playing 137 games and kicking 124 goals. Maher was part of Essendon’s 1923 and 1924 Premiership teams.

The number then passed to the great Jack Jones, who wore #24 from 1946 to 1954, playing 175 games and kicking 156 goals. Jones was a member of Essendon’s 1946, 1949 and 1950 Premiership sides, cementing the jumper’s place in club folklore.

From 1960 to 1974, Don McKenzie became the longest-serving wearer of Guernsey Number 24, playing 266 games. McKenzie was part of Essendon’s 1962 and 1965 Premiership teams, and ranks third all-time in VFL/AFL history for games played in the number.

The modern identity of the jumper is shaped by Joe Misiti, who wore #24 from 1993 to 2004, playing 234 games. Misiti was a dual Premiership player in 1993 and 2000, and ranks 8th all-time across the VFL/AFL for games played in Guernsey Number 24. He began his Essendon career wearing Guernsey Number 52 before switching to #24.

In the current era, Nick Bryan has worn Guernsey Number 24 since 2021, and will continue wearing the jumper into 2026.

Milestone players in Guernsey Number 24

• 50+ games(4) Stephen Robins (78), Brent Stanton (61), Robert Fox (52), Les Begley (50)

• 100+ games (1) Frank Maher (137)

• 150+ games (1) Jack Jones (175)

• 200+ games (1) Joe Misiti (234)

• 250+ games (1) Don McKenzie (266)

Guernsey Number 24 stands as a symbol of durability, consistency, and Premiership impact at the Essendon Football Club.

Next up: Day 23 and Jumper Number 23.