The No.39 may not be a very popular one in the AFL, but if you're a Geelong fan, you can attribute it to some of the most successful periods of the club's history.
In the modern era, the No.39 has been worn in three of the Cats' four premierships – in 2007, 2009 and 2022.
In the early 2000s, it was worn by the half back flanker Darren Milburn.
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In 2022's grand final victory, it was Zach Guthrie who donned the 39 in the 81-point win over Sydney.
Both unlikely heroes, who found their feet down back and became crucial parts of the Cats' greatest teams.
Now, Jimmy Bartel has likened Guthrie to Milburn, as the 25-year-old defender, who hasn't even played 100 games yet, continues his successful rise to the top.
"What they love to do at the Cats is give player's numbers who remind them of a player in the past," Bartel said on Nine's Footy Classified on Wednesday night.
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"You know, you have a look at Max Holmes, very much like James Kelly.
"The other Guthrie (Zach), wears No.39, exactly like Darren Milburn. He plays half back, zones off."
Bartel lauded Guthrie's efforts against Carlton, after he was forced to move into the role left by star Tom Stewart, who was sidelined with a concussion from the previous round.
"He had four intercept marks last week (against Carlton), filled a massive hole there of Tom Stewart," he said.
But it's not just in 2024 that Guthrie's calm and confident nature down back has been noticed.
Matthew Lloyd even claimed that Geelong regard the young premiership defender as their most underrated player.
"He's just been so consistent over the last two years. Brave, ball use has improved," Bartel said.
"Just got to give him his props here, he's been excellent."
Geelong will face Melbourne at the MCG in a top-of-the-table clash on Saturday night.
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