Number 19 may not have the roll call of some of the more star studded numbers at St Kilda but it is a number steeped in tradition at the club.

Allan Davis was the youngest member of the 1966 premiership team when he took to the field a few days short of his 18^th birthday. He went on to play 173 games for the Saints over 10 years before rounding out his career at Melbourne, Essendon and Collingwood.

But Davis’ heart always lay with the red, white and black as he returned to the club as assistant coach under his 1966 teammate Darrel Baldock. Davis even coached the Saints for a few games late in 1987 after Baldock suffered a stroke.

Years later, Davis’ son Chad arrived at the Saints as one of the few father-son acquisitions the club has ever had.

Chad Davis began his career in the no. 27 but moved to 19 for the final three years of his time at the Saints.

Ruckman Reg Garvin wore the number throughout his 130-game career from 1937-46, during which time he captain-coached the club and won two best and fairests.

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Another famous occupant of the number was Eric Guy, who was widely recognised as one of the toughest players in the VFL in the late 50s and early 60s. Guy was vice-captain of St Kilda for three years and represented Victoria on three occasions.

Former player manager Ricky Nixon wore the number throughout his five-year-career at the Saints while Sam Gilbert has been the custodian of the number since he was drafted in 2005.

Sam Gilbert

“I was just given it when I was drafted. Luke Penny had just left the club and it was open. I remember I liked no. 6 but Leigh Fisher got a hold of it.

I’ve met Steve Sziller once and he seems like a good bloke. I had the chance to change numbers at one stage. I got offered a single digit number that became free but I played my first game in 19, I got drafted as a 19-year-old and my birthday is on the 19^th. It was a good fit for me so I wanted to keep it. Every now and then I see a kid wearing a Saints jumper with the number - maybe they’re old Luke Penny jumpers. But I always go and give them a high five. I’ve got to keep them on board.

If I ever get a lotto ticket I make sure I’ve got 19 in there. Last time I played roulette I hit 19 so it’s been good to me.

So far I’ve played 140 games in the number and Allan Davis holds the record but it’d be an honour if I could have the record down the track.”