One question that popped out of our work on moving guernsey numbers up related to why Bruce Doull changed guernsey number from 4 to 11 for the '72 season. We've tried all of our normal contacts and other than the great man himself, have not found any details on this.

One of our lead writers, Patzfiztrick, believed the following:

"As I recall Bruce was mightily annoyed by an article about him that appeared in the Melbourne press sometime early in his career - prior to '72. It was a bit liberal with the truth and Bruce never trusted a journo again. The reporter who wrote the story apparently was well established, while Bruce was a shy youngster not a bit comfortable with the scrutiny that came with being a League footballer.

On match days at Princes Park, the press used to congegate in the locker room after games, and always crowded around Nicholls and Silvagni. Therefore, at locker number 4, he was always in the firing line, and forced to share his space with a journo that he really didn't like or trust.

So when Ragsy Goold retired, Bruce asked to take over number 11, and at least put some space between himself and the press pack."

Any competing or supporting views out there? We'd like to round out this one if possible!

From the Blueseum

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I'd heard the same - Big Nick was coach for the '72 season and Doull wanted to be a little further away from the media scrum who descended on Nick.

Also...........

the 11 made him look taller.............!


kindest regards tommi










true story........!

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that'siti'mnotchangingthistagain......!

yeah..he was never gonna go for a mohawk I guess.

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That’s not a political statement — it’s a harsh reality, and we must act,” she said. “He is a clear and present danger to the things that keep us strong and free. I support impeachment.”

Yeah I always thought the story was that Bruce thought 'the good players wore the low numbers'. As we all know that would have meant #4 was a good fit but his natural modesty and the intimidation of being so close to Nick and Serge had him asking for a higher number. He was very highly rated when he arrived, and due to injury (collarbone from memory) and lack of confidence he took a few years to establish himself, and in fact in the 1972 season I think Ragsy Goold floated the idea of a comeback, which may have caused more number issues. But he quickly saw how good Doully was a stayed in gracious retirement.

When I played junior footy there was always an 11 playing for every team and everyone (well everyone i remember) identified it as Doulls number and thats in WA.

Just goes to show even kids respect a hard worker.

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I hope Essendon* folds.

We could do with Ragsy and Doully, one on each HBF even now. How was Ragsy's disposal by today's standards?

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Bawditawaba

Yes, I recollect Doull thought he didn't deserve a high number as No.4 and went down to 11.
A long time ago, but I think Goold may have played in the reserves at North Melbourne as part of a "come back", could be wrong though.

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Dad said that John Goold actually did make the attempted comeback and did play a few Reserve Games that season but was not able to crack it for a senior game.

Don't know that Ragsy's kicking would be up to scratch today. Different story for St Bruce though, he was a beautiful kick.

I remember after the '81 GF, a Carringbush supporting friend of my late, Carlton loving uncle, bemoaning how Bruce had killed them with his long, accurate disposal out of defence.

Yeah that's right. It was around that time we ''allegedly'' tried to trade Ragsy to North, in return for a kid from Brunswick named Wayne Schimmelbusch.

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