Countdown to Round 1, 2026. Day 25: Essendon Guernsey Number 25

With 25 days to go until Essendon’s Round 1 clash with Hawthorn, Don The Stat continues its daily exploration of Essendon’s guernsey history.

Guernsey Number 25 stands among the most productive numbers the club has ever issued, worn by elite goalkickers and Premiership players across multiple eras.

The number was worn in Essendon’s 1912 Premiership by Jack O’Brien, before finding a long-term home with Greg Stockdale, who wore #25 from 1923 to 1928, playing 99 games and kicking 184 goals. Stockdale was a member of Essendon’s 1923 and 1924 Premiership sides.

Mid-century success followed through Gordon Abbott (1942, 1946 Premierships), Roy McConnell (1949, 1950 Premierships), and Ken Timms, who contributed to the 1962 Premiership.

Graham Moss came from WA in 1973. He stayed for 4 seasons, wearing the #25 in 84 games, winning 3 Crichton Medals and the 1976 Brownlow Medal.

The modern identity of Guernsey Number 25 was shaped by Roger Merrett, who wore the jumper from 1978 to 1987, playing 149 games and being part of Essendon’s 1984 and 1985 Premiership teams.

The defining figure in the jumper’s history is Scott Lucas, who wore #25 from 1996 to 2009, playing 270 games and kicking 471 goals. Lucas was a key part of the 2000 Premiership side, and ranks third for games played and second for goals kicked in Guernsey Number 25 in VFL/AFL history.

More recently, Jake Stringer wore #25 from 2018 to 2024, before the jumper passed to Jaxon Prior, who debuted in 2025 and will continue wearing the number into 2026.

Milestone players in Guernsey Number 25

• 50+ games(4) Jack Williamson (60), Gordon Abbott (83), Graham Moss (84), Greg Stockdale (99)

• 100+ games (4) Jake Stringer (123), Roy McConnell (135), Ken Timms (134), Roger Merrett (149)

• 200+ games (1) Scott Lucas (270)

Guernsey Number 25 is synonymous with scoring power, durability, and Premiership success at Essendon.

Next up: Day 24 and Jumper Number 24.