Less than ten years ago, Jim Plunkett was chasing kicks with Michael Jamison at North Ballarat. It was 2004, and Jimmy had just ended his time with Carlton after 37 games over the previous three seasons in the No.40 dark Navy Blue guernsey.

For a time, Plunkett held the record for most games in the No.40, so he’s not surprisingly amongst the first to commend his old Roosters teammate who runs out for the 100th time in the No.40 at the SCG.

Reflecting on his own playing days at the then Optus Oval, Plunkett recalled that there was no rhyme or reason in him being handed the No.40 after he was drafted to the club as a rookie in 2001.

“The guernsey was just thrown my way - ‘Put this on’ – this is your number’,” Plunkett, now a partner in Leading Teams, said this week.

“At the time I was aware there was no 100-gamer to wear the number. It would’ve been nice to have been the first but I’m happy that ‘Jamo’ is. There was a nice connection through North Ballarat and I’ve followed ‘Jamo’s progress in the guernsey because of that.”

Revealing that he and Jamison had crossed paths on two or three occasions these past ten years, Plunkett said conversation invariably turned to the No.40 and he’s been an exceptional player in it – very solid”.

Appreciating his own connection with “The Bluebaggers”, Plunkett said he would be warming the set for Friday night’s telecast to see Jamison create history.
But would he offer the great man any pre-match advice?

“I don’t reckon I have any,” Plunkett replied. “He’s tripled my games tally so I should be listening to him”.