LATE last year, Carlton’s 11 newest players were awarded their guernseys as they prepare for life as Blues.

Moving on to the No.44 guernsey, we look at the players who have made the guernsey what it is, and what's to come for the incumbent. 

Honour the past

By the numbers
Number of representatives: 8
Average games played: 71
Games record holder: Justin Madden — 287 games
Best and fairest wins: Three — 1985, 1991, 2007
Premiership players: One (Two premierships)
100-game players: Two
Hall of Fame members: Justin Madden

Famous faces
With 287 games, two best and fairest wins, two premierships and a spot in the Hall of Fame, the No.44 became a much-loved number thanks to Justin ‘Harry’ Madden.

Arriving from Essendon at the start of the 1983 season, Madden quickly became a cult hero on Royal Parade. And while the ruckman was remembered for his fun-loving demeanour, he put together a serious football CV.

He very nearly became Carlton’s fourth Brownlow Medallist in 1985, pipped by Brad Hardie by a vote in the final game of the season. He won his first best and fairest that year, before following in 1991.

Madden also achieved the ultimate team success in both 1987 and 1995, while also receiving the All Australian nod in both of those seasons.

Following on from Madden was childhood Bluebagger, Andrew Carrazzo. The 2007 John Nicholls Medal winner was an outstanding clubman across his 194 games, spending seven seasons in the Club’s leadership group.

Own the future

New custodian

It’s been an interesting journey to Ikon Park for Matthew Owies, whose football career is only just starting in 2019.

The Blues announced Owies as their fourth acquisition of the off-season back in October, with the former basketballer signing as a Category B rookie.

Touted as an elite junior footballer, Owies is no stranger to the game, having won best and fairest awards in football at both the Camberwell Sharks and St Kevin’s College.

Owies has identified his competitiveness as a key asset, and sees a potential role as a high-pressure forward as one where he wants to make his mark at the Blues in the future.

Honour the past series

No.11 - Mitch McGovern
No.13 - Liam Stocker
No.18 - Sam Walsh
No.24 - Nic Newman
No.32 - Alex Fasolo
No.37 - Ben Silvagni
No.38 - Finbar O’Dwyer
No.40 - Tomas Bugg
No.43 - Will Setterfield