What’s a number worth?

To many footballers, it’s a prized possession. It helps to define their legacy.

As we begin the year 2017, Collingwood Media looks at a selection of the finest No. 17s in Collingwood’s history.

Scott Burns (1995-2008)
Games: 264
One of the most respected players in the game, Burns captained the club in 2008 and was twice runner-up in the Copeland Trophy. His hardness and fierce attack on the content inspired his teammates, and he continues to serve in 2017 as an assistant coach.
Click here to view Burns’ profile on Collingwood Forever.

Jock McHale (1915-1917)
Games: 40
As far as famous names go, there are few greater than Collingwood’s McHale. Best known for his work as a coach, Jock played 40 games in the number 17 between 1915 and 1917, the last of which was a premiership against Fitzroy.
Click here to view McHale’s profile on Collingwood Forever.

Dayne Beams (2009-2014)
Games: 110
Lasted until pick No. 29 in his draft but quickly made up ground on the top 10, winning the Copeland Trophy in 2012 and playing a key role in the finals campaigns in the three years prior. Is currently plying his trade with Brisbane, but Pies fans will always fondly remember his contribution.
Click here to view Beams’ profile on Collingwood Forever.

Thorold Merrett (1951-1960)
Games: 167
A footballing gentleman, Merrett wore the number 17 in all bar 13 of his 180 league games. A dual Copeland Trophy winner and a wingman in the club’s Team of the Century, Merrett played a key role in the storied premierships of 1953 and 1958.
Click here to view Merrett’s profile on Collingwood Forever.

Doug Barwick (1988-1991)
Games: 71
Known and loved by all as the many who kicked the sealer in the 1990 Grand Final. But Barwick was more than just a one-kick wonder, slotting 90 goals in 71 games as a Magpie between ’88 and ’91. He kicked eight goals during the 1990 finals series to finish the year with 36 before winding up his career twelve months later.
Click here to view Barwick’s profile on Collingwood Forever.

Brenton Sanderson (1994)
Games: 4
Sanderson played just four games in his one year at Victoria Park. Now, 23 years on, he returns as an assistant coach to his former teammate, Nathan Buckley.
Click here to view Sanderson’s profile on Collingwood Forever.