NEW year, new numbers.
After a year at the Club, Jaxon Binns and Lachie Cowan have received jumper number upgrades ahead of season 2024.
Both will take on famous Carlton numbers, with Binns to wear the No.25 whilst Cowan will move right down in the locker room to No.2.
While the monogram on the front is more important than the number on the back, both these numbers have special meaning to the young duo.
“It’s a very famous number with the Club,” Binns said on the No.25.
“This time last year when I first arrived, 'Fish' really took me under his wing and looked after me and made me feel really welcome.
“I thought [wearing No.25] would be a big honour with how famous the number is.”
For Cowan - a lifelong Blues supporter - the No.2 was something he coveted since childhood.
With the presence of Greg Williams as the Club's Football Director - and 'Diesel' being Cowan's dad’s favourite player - the vacancy of the No.2 was too enticing to pass up.
“I’ve always just liked No.2 – from my junior club I was meant to wear No.2 and I ended up changing clubs and I didn’t get it, so it would be nice to wear it now,” Cowan said.
“Obviously with 'Diesel' wearing the number, I spoke to him before it and he said he was happy for me to wear it as long as I become a midfielder.
“My dad loves 'Diesel', he was a big Carlton fan growing up, so he wanted me to move as well.”
On the first day back for the first-to-fourth-year players, Binns and Cowan reflected on how nearly 12 months to the day, they were just about to arrive for their first day at IKON Park.
Binns is proud of his first year at Carlton, hoping a senior debut is not far around the corner, whilst Cowan is looking to fight for his spot and ramp up his development.
“Last year was my first year in senior footy, so I’m looking to keep getting better and taking that one step forward and get one game under my belt,” Bins said.
"Once I get one game, I’ll keep trying to improve and getting as many [games] as I can.”
“I’d love to play Round 1 again, but I’m just taking as it comes,” Cowan said.
“A lot of boys are pushing for the same spot so we’ll see how we go.”
