Countdown to Round 1, 2026 — Day 4: Essendon Guernsey Number 4

Day 4 of the Countdown to Round 1, 2026 brings us to Essendon Guernsey Number 4, a jumper worn by Brownlow medallists, captains and pioneers.

The first Essendon player to wear number 4 was Allan “King” Belcher, who wore it during the 1911 finals series. Belcher later captained Essendon to the 1912 Premiership, though most of his career was spent in number 1.

The jumper found early continuity through Len Bowe, who played 101 games in number 4 and was part of the 1912 Premiership side.

A major chapter in the jumper’s history belongs to Norm McDonald, who played 128 games from 1947 to 1953. McDonald was the first Indigenous Essendon player, won the 1951 Crichton Medal, and was known for his speed, strength and athletic versatility.

In the modern era, number 4 has been worn by true stars.

Gavin Wanganeen wore the jumper from 1991 to 1996, winning the 1993 Brownlow Medal and starring in Essendon’s 1993 Premiership.

Jobe Watson then carried the number through 220 games, captaining the club and becoming one of Essendon’s most respected leaders.

The number is currently worn by Kyle Langford, who has passed the 130-game mark and continues to shape his own legacy.

Milestone players in Guernsey 4

50+ games 

Clarrie Hearn (92), Murray Exelby (90), Col Hebbard (85), Leon Baker (86)

100+ games 

Len Bowe (101), Norm McDonald (128), Gavin Wanganeen (127), Ron Andrews (144), Kyle Langford (132)

200+ games 

Jobe Watson (220)

Premiership players wearing number 4

• Len Bowe — 1912

• Murray Exelby — 1942

• Norm McDonald — 1949, 1950

• David Shaw — 1965

• Leon Baker — 1984, 1985

• Gavin Wanganeen — 1993

Next up: Day 3 and Essendon Guernsey Number 3.