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.
"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."
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."
Richards crossed from arguably the biggest club in Australia in the hustle-and-bustle of Melbourne to the slower lifestyle that Adelaide has to offer.
Albeit more similar to Wangaratta, the 24-year-old flagged the reason for the move as an opportunity.
Richards was seen at AFL level for the first time in 2024 due to a host of injuries at Collingwood, opening up a role in the forward line.
But with a healthy list, it would've been likely that he'd be shunted to the Pies VFL side.
"It (the move) was more about the opportunities I get coming here and hopefully I can make the position my own," Richards said.
"Obviously there was an array of small forwards at Collingwood... and whether there was a spot for me there or not, I'm not too sure.
"But certainly felt like what Port Adelaide pitched to me felt like the right decision."
Richards signed a three-year deal at the Alberton club, and will line-up alongside Willie Rioli and talented draftee Joe Berry, who was given Dan Houston's No.5.
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.
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.
5 – Joe Berry
12 – Jack Lukosius
17 – Jack Whitlock
22 – Logan Evans
31 - Christian Moraes
32 – Rory Atkins
35 – Joe Richards
37 – Tom Cochrane
40 – Benny Barrett
42 - Jacob Moss