Countdown to Round 1, 2026. Day 31: Essendon Guernsey Number 31

With 31 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 31 has been worn by a wide range of players across eras, but over time it has become one of the most iconic numbers in Essendon history.

The first recorded wearer was Jack Woolley in 1914, before the jumper settled into more sustained use through players such as Jim Quinn, who wore the number from 1925 to 1931, playing 66 games.

In the post-war era, Bob McClure wore Guernsey 31 from 1946 to 1951, playing 90 games and being part of Essendon’s 1946, 1949 and 1950 Premiership sides.

The number reached another peak through Hugh Mitchell, who wore it from 1953 to 1967, playing 223 games and kicking 300 goals. Mitchell was a member of the club’s 1962 and 1965 Premiership teams, and remains one of the most productive players ever to wear the jumper.

The defining chapter of Guernsey Number 31 belongs to Dustin Fletcher, who wore the jumper from 1993 to 2015, playing 400 games, all in the same number. Fletcher was a member of Essendon’s 1993 and 2000 Premiership teams, and holds both the club and competition record for games played in the number.

The current wearer of Guernsey Number 31 is Zach Reid, who will continue wearing the jumper into 2026.

Milestone players in Guernsey Number 31

• 50+ games Bob McClure (90), Norm Betson (78), Jim Quinn (66), Dean Bailey (50)

• 100+ games Max Crow (126)

• 200+ games Hugh Mitchell (223)

• 300+ games Dustin Fletcher (400)

Guernsey Number 31 stands as a symbol of durability, leadership, and long-term excellence at Essendon.

Next up: Day 30 and Jumper Number 30.