Day 12: Essendon Guernsey Number 12

Don TheStat
6 hours ago
2 min read

With 12 days remaining until Essendon’s 2026 season begins, the Don The Stat Guernsey Countdown continues with Number 12.

Guernsey 12 was first worn by Fred O’Shea during the 1911 finals series, the first season jumper numbers were introduced at Essendon. O’Shea was part of the club’s 1911 Premiership team, ensuring the number was tied to success from the outset.

One of the earliest Premiership wearers was Jim Martin, who played 16 games in the number during Essendon’s 1912 Premiership season.

The number gained further prominence through Harry Gregory, who played 89 games between 1924 and 1930, including the 1924 Premiership.

Post-war, Wally May became the defining figure in the jumper, playing 94 games and winning Premierships in 1949 and 1950.

The modern legacy of Guernsey 12 is inseparable from Barry Capuano, who played 108 games from 1960 to 1966 and won the 1962 Premiership. Capuano later became a central administrative figure at Essendon, serving as General Manager and CEO from 1981 to 1988, before dedicating over 20 years to the Essendon Past Players and Officials Association. His contribution to the club was recognised nationally in 2025, when he received the Medal of the Order of Australia.

In more recent times, Andrew Welsh wore the number for 147 games between 2003 and 2011 and now serves as Essendon Football Club President, while Mark Baguley added his own chapter with 106 games from 2014 to 2019.

Today, the jumper is worn by Will Setterfield, who continues in the number in 2026 after being given the opportunity to reignite his AFL career.