Power revive famous number in memory of late forward

“When the club approached me to wear this number, I had no hesitation in accepting the offer.”

WRITER | December 2, 2024 - 10:45am

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Port Adelaide recruit Joe Richards will wear No.35 next year in honour of the late John McCarthy, who passed away in 2012.

McCarthy was originally drafted to Collingwood in 2007, playing 18 games in the black and white before adding teal to the mix.

McCarthy played 21 games for the Power in 2012 before tragically passing away in an incident during a post-season trip to America.

The club had retired the No.35 until now, with former Pie Richards set to don the famous number in 2025.

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"It's a huge privilege to be trusted to wear the number 35," Richards said.

"When the club approached me to wear this number, I had no hesitation in accepting the offer.

"I didn't know John, but from what I have heard about him, it sounds like we share similar values and passion for footy.

"We were both recruited from Collingwood to Port Adelaide, so there is a nice connection there.

"From what I've learned, John's greatest strength was his care for his teammates and those he connected with. I'm incredibly humbled by the opportunity."

PERTH, AUSTRALIA - APRIL 03: Chad Cornes of the Power looks to pass the ball during the round two AFL match between the West Coast Eagles and Port Adelaide Power at Subiaco Oval on April 3, 2010 in Perth, Australia. (Photo by Paul Kane/Getty Images)

The No.35 was also worn by club legend Chad Cornes, who played 239 games, including the 2004 premiership.

"Bringing the number 35 back into our playing squad is an important moment for our club,” Port Adelaide CEO Matthew Richardson said.

"We are grateful to the McCarthy family for their support. We are pleased for Joe and look forward to seeing him make number 35 his own.

"The number 35 is a significant number at our club. Before John, Chad Cornes wore the guernsey with great distinction as an AFL Premiership player and two-time All-Australian."

Former Gold Coast pair Jack Lukosius (No.12) and Rory Atkins (No.32) were handed their new digits while defender Logan Evans stepped into retired forward Charlie Dixon's No.22.

Port Adelaide recruit Jack Lukosius addressing media in 2024 (Image via Port Adelaide FC)

Talented draftee Joe Berry (No.5) took over Dan Houston's old number.

Jack Whitlock (No.17), Christian Moraes (No.31), and Tom Cochrane (No.37) have all been given their first AFL numbers, while category B rookie duo Jacob Moss (No.42) and Benny Barrett (No.40) found their new lockers.