Day 15: Essendon Guernsey Number 15

With 15 days remaining until Essendon’s Round 1 clash with Hawthorn, the Don The Stat Guernsey Countdown continues with Number 15.

Guernsey 15 first appeared in Essendon colours during the 1911 finals series, worn by Bill Sewart, who would go on to be part of Essendon’s 1911 Premiership side.

The first long-term wearer of the number was Roy Laing, who wore 15 across multiple stints between 1913 and 1925, playing 131 games. Laing was a key contributor to Essendon’s 1923 and 1924 Premiership teams.

The number’s strongest association comes through Wally Buttsworth, who wore 15 from 1939 to 1949, playing 188 games. A dominant defender, Buttsworth won the Crichton Medal three times and was later named centre half-back in Essendon’s Team of the Century. He also played in Essendon’s 1942 and 1946 Premiership sides.

The jumper continued to be worn by long-serving contributors, including Don Gross, who played 121 games between 1965 and 1974.

In the AFL era, Alan Ezard became synonymous with Guernsey 15. From 1984 to 1993, Ezard played 176 games, kicked 193 goals, and was a member of Essendon’s 1984 and 1985 Premiership teams. Despite his size, Ezard was renowned for his fearless marking and attacking flair.

Between 1994-2000 it was worn in 81 games by Michael Prior, father of current Essendon player, Jaxon. More recently, Courtenay Dempsey and Jayden Laverde carried the number into the modern era, combining for over 240 games in the jumper.

Milestone Players in Guernsey Number 15

• 50+ games

  • Alby Murdoch (65)

  • Michael Prior (81)

• 100+ games

  • Roy Laing (131)

  • Don Gross (121)

  • Courtenay Dempsey (133)

  • Jayden Laverde (115)

• 150+ games 

  • Wally Buttsworth (188)

  • Alan Ezard (176)

Guernsey Number 15 has been worn by champions, Premiership players, and some of Essendon’s most respected figures across more than a century.

Next up: Day 14 and Guernsey Number 14.