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John McCarthy’s family have given their blessing to bring the late Guernsey number 35 out of retirement at Port Adelaide, with new signing Joe Richards accepting the “tremendous privilege”.
McCarthy died at age 22 in a fall during a postseason trip to Las Vegas in 2012.
His death left an indelible mark on AFL the club and the group of players who were on holiday.
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Port opted to retire the No.35 jumper McCarthy wore for 21 games that year, his first season at the club after four years at Collingwood.
Richards has now made the same switch from the Magpies to the Power and will don the number 35 with the approval of the McCarthy family.
Port Adelaide said the timing was right, but did not elaborate on the decision.
“It’s a huge privilege to be trusted to wear the number 35,” Richards said in the club’s statement.
“When the club asked me to wear this number, I did not hesitate to accept the offer.
“I didn’t know John, but from what I’ve heard about him, it seems we share similar values and a passion for football.
“We were both recruited by Collingwood at Port Adelaide so there is a good connection there.
“From what I learned, John’s greatest strength was his concern for his teammates and those he came in contact with. I am incredibly humbled by the opportunity.”
Port chief executive Matthew Richardson said it was an “important moment” to reintroduce the No.35.
“We are grateful to the McCarthy family for their support,” he said.
“We are delighted for Joe and look forward to seeing him make the number 35 his own.
“The number 35 is a significant number at our club. Before John, Chad Corns wore the guernsey with great distinction as an AFL Premier League player and two-time All Australian.”
Only one player remains on Port Adelaide’s roster from the 2012 season: Travis Boak.
Boak led the club out of tragedy, taking over the captaincy for the 2013 campaign.
McCarthy’s former Collingwood teammates Scott Pendlebury and Steele Sidebottom will also play in 2025.
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