At the Chairman's dinner, Mark McVeigh was the first new recruit to receive his jumper, the coveted number 10. As most Essendon fans will know, that jumper has been worn by legends of the club, including recent club captain Gary O'Donnell, and of course the great John Coleman.
Aaron Henneman was the next to receive his guernsey, and he will wear the number 3 this year, worn by the great Dick Reynolds.
Jason Johnson has changed numbers this year, and he will wear the number 14. Mark Johnson, promoted to the senior list for 1999 will be wearing number 28. New recruit Chris Ladhams will wear 40, Adam Ramanauskas will wear 9, and Ilija Grgic will wear 37.