Footy’s greatest number: What is the best number in Geelong’s history?

TWO of Geelong’s greatest players just happened to wear the same number. So does that mean that jumper is a lock as the club’s greatest number? VOTE NOW

1988. Gary Ablett flies for a mark. Geelong v West Coast Eagles. Kardinia Park. Neg: 880402/153

GEELONG’S greatest number is almost universally acknowledged as the No.5 jumper.

Two members of the AFL Team of the Century — Gary Ablett and Graham ‘Polly’ Farmer wore the jumper, so that just about locks away that number as the Cats’ greatest, even though there were a few other likely nominations.

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5 — Polly Farmer, Gary Malarkey, Gary Ablett, Jack Evans, Travis Varcoe

Impossible to go past this jumper number with two legends of the game — Gary Ablett and ‘Polly’ Farmer making it the most recognisable in the club’s history. Gary Malarkey was also a very good defender across 172 games, while Jack Evans and Travis Varcoe have also added their own stamp to the jumper.

Graham "Polly" Farmer made the handpass famous. He is a member of the AFL Team of the Century.

3 — Fred Wooller, Jimmy Bartel, Ken Newland, Mark Bairstow

Geelong’s 1963 premiership skipper Fred Wooller wore the No.3 with distinction, as did the likes of Ken Newland and Mark Bairstow. But Jimmy Bartel took it a step further when he sported it during his Brownlow Medal-winning season.

No.3 Jimmy Bartel has won just about every award there is to win in footy, including a Norm Smith medal for his best-afield performance in the 2011 grand final.

4 — Alistair Lord, Bob Davis, Andrew Mackie, Terry Bright

Bob Davis was not known as “the Geelong Flyer” for nothing, during a brilliant career as a two-time premiership player in one of the great teams of all-time. He was later a premiership coach where he saw another No.4, Brownlow winner Alastair Lord, add more currency to it. Terry Bright played more than 200 games in the jumper during the 1970s and ‘80s, while Andrew Mackie has worn it in three flags and more than 200 games.

7 — Paul Couch, Harry Taylor, Ben Graham, Lindsay White

Another great number wore by some greats of the club, including Brownlow Medal winner Paul Couch and current defender Harry Taylor. Ben Graham was a star defender who left the game early to pursue a gridiron career, while Lindsay White won a best-and-fairest and twice a VFL leading goalkicker.

Geelong fans remember Paul Couch’s beautiful left boot, which helped him to the 1989 Brownlow Medal.

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11 — Joel Corey, Bernie Smith, Percy Martini

Brownlow medallist Bernie Smith remains one of Geelong’s greatest footballers. Joel Corey more than lived up to the No.11 jumper with his midfield work, while Percy Martini was a goalkicking star for the Cats in the early part of last century.

Bernie Smith remains a legend down at Geelong.

14 — Joel Selwood, David Clarke, Lloyd Hagger, Jack Grant

Joel Selwood is still building on his considerable reputation as leader of the club, while David Clarke was a Cats star during the 1970s. Lloyd Hagger and Jack Grant were also fine No.14s at Geelong.

Current skipper Joel Selwood is still relatively young in football terms but he’s already forged a large career. Picture: Wayne Ludbey

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9 — James Kelly, Michael Turner, Leo Turner, John Devine

An underrated number at Geelong at includes current star James Kelly, the Turner father-son combination, and John Devine, who also coached the club.

Michael Turner was a dashing wingman who captained the Cats in the mid 1980s.