Sydney Swans draftee Ned Bowman to take Buddy Franklin’s No.23 jumper

The No.23 has been worn by some of the most famous names in sport, including the Swans’ Lance Franklin. Now, Sydney has made its call on who to pass the guernsey on to.

Jordan. Franklin. James. Warne. Beckham. Bowman.

The number 23 has been synonymous with the biggest names in sport, and a new athlete will join their ranks in 2025 as the famous Swans guernsey passes hands.

Teenage forward Ned Bowman will take on the mantle in Sydney, becoming the first player to wear the number since Lance ‘Buddy’ Franklin retired in 2023.

Selected at pick 26 in this year’s draft, Bowman might have flown under the radar on his journey to the AFL, but he’s ready to make his mark. And with an array of available numbers to choose from, the South Australian couldn’t pass up the opportunity to emulate one of the greatest to play the game.

Bowman will proudly wear the No.23 in 2025, the same number made famous by Lance Franklin at the Swans. Picture: Phil Hillyard

“Buddy Franklin was probably one of the best players that I’ve ever watched in my era,” Bowman said. “He was so dominant and played his own way.

“Seeing his number available stood out to me that little bit more. It would be such an honour to wear his number for the same club that he played at. It’s still pretty surreal at this point.

“The number will probably carry a bit of expectation and put that bit more stress on myself, because of how big Buddy was. So, I’m just trying to take it week by week, not put too much expectation on what’s to come and see what happens. I’m just doing my own thing at the moment.”

It’s not the first time Bowman has taken on the No.23 in his career, wearing it occasionally throughout his junior footy career. But he’s excited for the chance to help add to its significance at the Swans.

The No.23 became synonymous in Sydney with Buddy and his incredible forward-line exploits. Picture: Phil Hillyard

Bowman isn’t averse to the spotlight either, rocketing into draft contention thanks in part to a spectacular mark he took playing for Norwood in the SANFL U18 competition. Nearly two metres off the ground, it was a grab Isaac Heeney would have been proud of.

The 18-year-old hopes he can regularly be the type of player who steps up when the game is on the line.

Something tells us Ned Bowman might be happy to have Isaac Heeney as a teammate 🚀#AFLDraft#Bloodspic.twitter.com/cfQid36RXR

— Sydney Swans (@sydneyswans) November 20, 2024

“That was probably the craziest week I’ve ever been a part of,” Bowman said. “It was around Gather Round, so there was a lot of footy on the table and it was surreal to be watching myself on the news.

“I feel like I thrive on those moments. I’m probably not the biggest accumulator of the ball, but it’s the impact from a couple of disposals or even a tackle that I think can get the team up and about.

“ (2024) was clearly the best year I’ve had and it helped me a lot. To take games by the scruff of the neck and play footy again, I showed what I could actually do.”

Bowman has hit the ground running in Sydney and is looking to add a strong aerial presence to the Swans’ forward line. Picture: Phil Hillyard

Bowman’s first AFL pre-season has required an adjustment compared to his under-18 days. Intense, back-to-back sessions have brought him back to reality about the commitment required to make it in the competition.

While he admits he was shocked to be selected so early by the Swans, he has plenty of connections to ensure the transition is successful. That includes his uncle, Todd Davey, who played for Sydney’s under-19 team in the 1990s. However, he’s hoping to go one step further and pull on the No.23 in the AFL.

“It was a bit of a surprise,” Bowman said. “(The Swans) said they were interested but didn’t fully clarify, so I probably sat there in shock for about five minutes after my name was called out, I didn’t even say a word.

“Being among some of the best players in the league like Isaac Heeney and Will Hayward – those players I looked up to years and even weeks ago, it’s surreal.

“I’ve spoken to (Will) a fair bit, he went to school with my older brother so we have that connection already. It’s good to have a familiar face at the club.

“(Playing for the Swans) is definitely the best possible outcome.”