News

Crameri thrilled to inherit number

Tuesday, 24 January 2012
Staff writers for essendonfc.com.au
Page 1 of 1

Essendon’s Stewart Crameri has capped off his brilliant breakout 2011 season, being handed the club's No.12 guernsey.

Crameri wore No.45 in his first two years at the Bombers but will take on the number vacated by Andrew Welsh, who retired at the end of the season after 162 games with the club.

It marks a superb rise for the former rookie, who in 2011 was elevated to the senior list and signed a two-year contract extension tying him to the club until the end of 2013.

Crameri, who led Essendon's goalkicking with 34 goals from 20 games in 2011, said he was pleased to make the number switch – the only major change at the club this season.

"I talked to the coaches and discussed it after we learnt that Andrew was going to retire, and we went towards me taking it on," Crameri said.

"I asked Andrew and he said he'd be more than happy to hand it over to me."

Crameri added it was a thrill to inherit the number from his former teammate.

"He was a very passionate and loyal player at the club and he made sure that everyone was as passionate as he was," Crameri said

"Hopefully I can do the same things he did at the club."

The new additions to Essendon's list have been assigned their 2012 numbers, with first-round draft choice Elliott Kavanagh given number No.28.

Jackson Merrett and Nick O'Brien will take over No.33 and No.35 respectively, while rookies Lauchlan Dalgleish (36), Brendan Lee (41), Hal Hunter (45), Mark Baguley (46) and Cory Dell'Olio (47) round out the new numbers.

For the first time since 1986, there will be no player wearing No.1 at Essendon.

Crameri is set to debut his new number in February's NAB Cup, with the athletic forward recovering well from a shoulder reconstruction at the end of last season.

"I'm doing all the competitive drills now so I should be fine for the start of the NAB Cup," he said.

Don't miss your favourite Bombers doing battle with the Melbourne Renegades and Melbourne Stars in an all-star cricket showdown at Windy Hill on Australia Day. Click here for more information.

Your comments

Add your own comment now!

Username:
Password:
I've forgotten my details, please email them to me.

Your comment (must be 100 words or less):

What do you mean there is no number 1 at EFC ? I'm one! And all the fans this year will 'Stand as one' Go Bombers. Mikey Boy.

- Michael Parker (posted 24/01/2012 6:38:20 AM)

GO STEWY

- Benny Fowler (posted 24/01/2012 8:12:56 AM)

number 12 is OK but the best player I ever knew wore 24. for oakleigh.

- Bob Davies (posted 24/01/2012 10:28:37 AM)

Crams, just waiting to see your powerful marking & ground play. You can turn a game old mate,& with a bag of goals to boot. Go for it, No. 12.

- Graeme Coad (posted 24/01/2012 10:46:00 AM)

Once again congratulations Stewart. I just wanted to elaborate on the "No.1 should be given to Essendon's Crichton Medallist from the previous year" idea. Players who inherit the No.1 still should get to keep their original numbers in their locker until the number one is handed on, so kids can still wear their player numbers with pride and the Crichton Medallist can be recognised by all, on the field, for their best & fairest efforts.

- Adrian Reynolds (posted 24/01/2012 12:20:05 PM)

Quite amazing how Crameri lifted himself to a highly level of excellence last season. Very zen for there to be no number one. Tat Tvam Asi (तत् त्वम् असि)

- Thomas Faunce (posted 24/01/2012 1:11:05 PM)

Cramma will always remember getting number 12 in 2012.

- Gordon Moss snr (posted 24/01/2012 1:25:38 PM)

Was that NOELS Number Bobby???? lol

- Ray Brough (posted 24/01/2012 1:27:05 PM)

Welshy wore that number with great pride. I am pretty sure Stewie will do justice to it. Go Stewie!!!

- Alan De Menezes (posted 24/01/2012 1:29:27 PM)

I like your idea, Adrian. That's how great traditions begin.

- alec shiffman (posted 24/01/2012 1:52:46 PM)

Top number! Worn by the hard nut Mick Simonds before good old Welshy!

- John Zairis (posted 24/01/2012 5:41:03 PM)

@Adrian Reynolds Great idea, love your thinking!

- Toryn Kasa (posted 24/01/2012 5:41:24 PM)

Adrian, yes agree on No. 1, your idea satisfys the young Bomber supporters, & it creates massive interest in a great tradition of our club, & is something to build on. EI, where are you? can you swing it in the "Jetstream",like asap, ta.

- Graeme Coad (posted 24/01/2012 5:46:48 PM)

Who is Mick Simonds? Michael Symons maybe! Hard nut?? Rob Box

- Robert Box (posted 24/01/2012 11:08:43 PM)

Mickey of the Wes Hall runup. Great clubman.

- alec shiffman (posted 25/01/2012 10:24:16 AM)

Hello Ray! I think you mean number 179? He was Strathmore 4ths team perennial emergency?? lol

- Bob Davies (posted 25/01/2012 10:30:12 AM)

How well did you know him Dazzler ???

- Bill Carbis (posted 25/01/2012 11:14:40 AM)

If it is possible Crammers,you will enhance the magic of the number even further,and that is saying something!! Welshie always gave his absolute ALL,and made us feel so proud to support him :-) :-) You reckon Bob? ..wasn't even that... But I am a champion Essendon Lover,and not part time at it either... And lovely to hear that at last you know who you are,and what number you wore for the Purple & Golds.. :-)

- Noel Shields (posted 25/01/2012 11:38:48 AM)

Thanks for your support in my idea about No.1 guys, EI What do you reckon? Will this be forwarded on to the right authorities?

- Adrian Reynolds (posted 25/01/2012 2:15:52 PM)

Adrian, thanks for the comment! The number 1 was presented to our first member in 2012. Check out this page for more info: http://www.essendonfc.com.au/news/a/Essendon-launches-2012-membership-campaign/8670 However I will pass your comment onto the relevant parties

- Essendon Insider (posted 25/01/2012 3:17:10 PM)

Hi EI, I clicked on your link (i saw the clip when it was brought out) and found that little Lawrence received a jumper for being the number 1 recruit but nobody mentioned he received the No.1 jumper? Congratulations anyway Lawrence you're a little champ!

- Adrian Reynolds (posted 25/01/2012 4:52:15 PM)

Good idea Adrian,It would take a season or two for supporters of other clubs to realize why our No 1 changes each year but would soon be accepted that the no.is worn by our best and fairest winner

- lawrence souter (posted 25/01/2012 6:28:27 PM)

Thanks Lawrence, but by the response from EI about "No. 1 was presented to our first member in 2012", and when you see the clip you will see there is no number 1 on the jumper and I really don't think anything will come of it, and if it does, I am pretty sure I will not get any praise for it anyway.

- Adrian Reynolds (posted 26/01/2012 8:30:43 PM)

The most exciting thing about Crameri is how much he has developed in two seasons. If he continues that rate of improvement and development, lookout. I don't think it far fetched to see him as a powerhouse goal kicking midfielder who can win games off his own boot. He COULD be a Cousins without the dubious lifestyle or a Judd without the dubious salary or a Goodes without...no, just a Goodes.

- Wesley Hull (posted 28/01/2012 8:13:30 PM)