Some of the greatest servants in the history of St Kilda have worn the number 24 jumper.
And in most cases, their service continued long after they had shed that number – some in an off-field capacity and others simply moved to single digit numbers.
Des Nisbett played 110 games for the Saints and finished second in the best and fairest before going on to be a committee member and the club’s chairman of selectors.
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Graeme Gellie played 32 games and won a best and fairest before coaching the Saints for two years while Danny Frawley began his career in 49, then wore 24 for three years before playing the last eight years in no. 2.
One of the most distinguished custodians of the number was Lance Oswald who played 107 games and won two best and fairests. He was later named on the wing in the club’s team of the century.
One of the most curious figures in the club’s history wore 24 throughout his entire brief career.
1563 players have represented St Kilda at senior level and only 20 have played in a premiership.
John Bingley was a Tasmanian defender who was a bit part player for the Saints in the mid-1960s.
In just his eighth senior game Bingley was instrumental in shutting down Collingwood star Des Tuddenham in the 1966 Grand Final. His task was invaluable in setting up what remains St Kilda’s only premiership in what was his eighth and final ever VFL game.
Sean Dempster:
I was just given it when I came. Before numbers are allocated you just get given a locker to use. So 24 was a free locker and I ended up sticking with it after the pre-season had finished.
I had 26 all throughout my junior career then I got drafted to Sydney and also had 26. 24 seemed to work for me here though.
I got 26 by default at the Swans, it corresponded with my junior number. I did try to change it when I was up there to 13 because my old man wore it with them. Daniel McPherson had it and he retired so both myself and Adam Schneider went for it. They gave it to Schneids because he was a better player. We got traded to the Saints together and he got 13, so Schneids keeps beating me to the number wherever I go.
If I play lotto I’ll put down family birthdays and always have 24 and 26 in there as well. I’d need a few numbers to drop in the 20s to actually have a chance.
The only reason I’d have to change the number is that my locker is in that position right next to the door. So everyone has to walk past me to get in the room and there’s no privacy and you can’t just sit in front of it and stretch your legs out. Apart from that, it’s an honour to wear 24.
