Exciting forward Troy Menzel is the new owner of the No.32 at Adelaide.
Menzel, 21, joined the Crows in last month’s AFL Trade Period after three seasons at Carlton.
Originally recruited with pick No.11 in the 2012 National Draft, the skilful South Australian kicked 47 goals in 40 games for the Blues. At Carlton Menzel wore No.2, which is already owned at West Lakes by Brad Crouch, who is keen to forge his own career in the number.
Menzel said he was humbled to be offered the famous jumper by his new Club.
“The No.32 has obviously been worn by some champions of the Adelaide Football Club,” Menzel said.
“I’m very excited and honoured to receive the jumper, and I can’t wait to get stuck into pre-season training with the boys on Monday.”
Menzel is set to become only the fourth player to wear the No.32 in Adelaide’s history.
He replaces Patrick Dangerfield, who played 152 of his 154 games for the Club in the jumper after starting his career in No.19.
The No.32 was made famous by premiership player and Brownlow Medallist Mark Ricciuto. Adelaide’s longest-serving captain, Ricciuto played all of his 312 career games in the No.32.
The eight-time All Australian said he was looking forward to seeing Menzel in action.
“Troy is a great pick-up for our footy club. Put him alongside Tex, Eddie and all the guys up forward and it’s pretty bloody exciting,” Ricciuto said.
“I can’t wait to see Troy running around at Adelaide Oval in the Crows colours. It’ll be nice to see another young player start his journey at the Club and in the No.32.
“Hopefully, he can kick a few more goals in it!”
Ricciuto took over the jumper from inaugural owner, Bruce Lindsay who played six games in 1991. The No.32 has been worn in 472 of Adelaide’s 578 AFL games.
Recruits Dean Gore and Hugh Greenwood, and forward Riley Knight have also received new numbers for Season 2016. Gore will wear the No.36, while Greenwood takes over No.20. Knight has moved from the No.39 to No.3 following the retirement of Brent Reilly.
The remaining numbers will be revealed in the coming week.
