Countdown to Round 1, 2026. Day 58: Essendon Guernsey Number 58

With 58 days to go until Essendon’s Round 1 clash against Hawthorn, Don The Stat begins its daily guernsey countdown at the very top of the numbering list.

Guernsey Number 58 is the highest number ever worn by an Essendon player in VFL/AFL competition.

The only Bomber to wear the number is Trevor Heath, who made his senior debut in 1971. Heath played one senior game for Essendon in the jumper, making him both the first and most recent wearer of Number 58.

While his senior career at Essendon was limited, Heath was a highly rated junior footballer. In 1970, he finished runner-up in the Morrish Medal, awarded to the best and fairest player in the VFL under-19s competition.

His lone senior appearance came the following season in a loss to Collingwood, but his football career extended well beyond that match. Heath later played with Eastlake in the ACT, West Perth and Subiaco in the WAFL, and Wanneroo in Western Australian amateur football.

Though worn only once, Guernsey Number 58 remains part of Essendon’s official playing history — marking both the highest number ever used by the club and the starting point of this countdown.

Next up: Day 57 and Jumper Number 57.