After joining Essendon in the 2017 Trade Period, Adam Saad will wear the number 42 Guernsey for season 2018 and beyond.
Whilst the list of players to have previously donned the number 42 is only four, Bombers fans will have fond memories of Nathan Lovett-Murray.
Lovett-Murray played 145 games between 2004 and 2013, admired by many for his strength and courage in the contest.
Saad said he would be proud to represent the number 42 for his strong personal connection and the connection to the heritage of the Club.
“I was 42 in my TAC Cup days and had the opportunity to wear that at Gold Coast, I want to make this number my own. I’m very honoured to be able to wear it for Essendon,” Saad said.
“Nathan Lovett-Murray was a great player for this club, and when I pull the number 42 on next year, I will wear it with pride.
“I try to play every game the best I can, play my role for the team, and I’m really excited to pull on the new colours.”
Lovett-Murray detailed the importance of the number 42 personally during his career.
"The number 42 was always important to me and my football," Lovett-Murray said.
"I really aspired to get my name on the locker and be the first person to play 100 games with that number 42, I feel really privileged to hand that over to Adam.
"When you're younger you just want to play a game but when you establish yourself and see the names of Club legends on the lockers, you want to get yours there
"I had opportunities to change my number but I wanted to stick with 42 because I came from the rookie list and it was always a reminder to keep working hard and the rewards will come from that
"I said to Adam to work hard after you've come to a new club, you're a great person, enjoy it and make the most of the opportunity you have here.
"Definitely (would be happy for him to have his name of the locker), hopefully he works hard and the rewards come from there, plays 100 games and get his number up there."
Saad was traded to Essendon during the 2017 Trade Period from the Gold Coast SUNS for a future second round pick in the 2018 National Draft, having played forty-eight games since being drafted.
