St Kilda's young gun Marcus Windhager has been announced as the new owner of Danny Frawley's iconic No.2 jumper for season 2024.
Having established himself in the senior lineup, the number upgrade is a clear indicator of how the Saints view their NGA graduate.
The famous jumper had been retired for the past two years in honour of Frawley, however, following consultation within the football department and with the Frawley family, the club indicated it was decided Windhager was the one to resume its legacy.
Following a tough start to season 2023, Windhager earned his way back into the senior lineup following his blistering VFL form, cementing a spot in the backline as a rebound defender.
The move into defence highlights his versatility, following his role as a gut-running tagger in 2022. Windhager is reported to have put in the request himself to wear the No.2.
As a Bayside native and Saints NGA Academy graduate, Windhager has already endeared himself to the St Kilda faithful with his work ethic, commitment and professionalism, despite being just 20 years of age.
Windhager spoke of his ambition to live up to the legacy of the No.2 jumper at the Saints and the 'honour' of being able to wear it.
โI'm very honoured to be wearing Danny Frawley's No.2 moving forward,โ Windhager said.
โThe importance of this jumper to the club, St Kilda community and the Frawley family isn't lost on me and I hope in time, I can carry on Spud's legacy with pride.
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โWhen I first came to St Kilda, straight away I learned about Danny's passion and his love for this club. Taking part in Spud's Game and seeing the benefits of the Danny Frawley Centre first-hand speak to its resonance among Saints fans and the wider AFL community and how much he meant to so many."
As part of the decision-making process, the Frawley family are delighted to see Windhager wearing the jumper, with oldest daughter Chelsea speaking of their excitement at seeing the No.2 on the field in red, white and black again.
โDad exemplified what it meant to be a leader, using his voice and work ethic to unite teams and communities together for a common cause. Thanks to him, the St Kilda Football Club No.2 embodies what being a great leader is all about,โ she said.
โWe couldn't think of a better person to be wearing the No. 2 than Marcus. In his short time at the club, Marcus has had a profound impact on the culture, driving standards and leading by example.
โWe know the big man would be proud to see Marcus repping the No. 2 for years to come.โ
Following several departures and new additions this off-season, Windhager's new number is not the only change that we'll see in this space at the Saints.
Jack Higgins has inherited the 1, while Liam Henry takes the 23, the same number he wore at the Dockers. First-round draftee Darcy Wilson will wear the 22, the number worn by his uncle Mick Nolan at North Melbourne.
Meanwhile, exciting draftee Lance Collard has been handed the number 4, made iconic by Darrel Baldock and Tony Lockett. Paddy Dow will take over Jack Billings' now vacant 15 while Riley Bonner takes the number 36.
Draftees Angus Hastie, Hugo Garcia and Arie Schoenmaker will wear the numbers 24, 34 and 27 respectively, while Isaac Keeler takes Windhager's now free 17.
Category B rookie Liam O'Connell will wear the number 45 in 2024.
