The individual wearing the jersey bearing the numeral 13 for the Collingwood Football Club represents a specific player within the team’s roster. This designation is unique to a single player for a given Australian Football League (AFL) season, identifying them on the field and in official team records. The assignment of this number carries the weight of team history and player performance expectations.
Players who have donned this guernsey often become associated with particular eras or achievements of the club. Their contributions, whether through exceptional skill, leadership, or memorable moments, become intertwined with the symbolism of the assigned numeral. The individual may hold significant importance to supporters, embodying team values and inspiring future generations. The historical context surrounding previous wearers can create added pressure and anticipation for current occupants.
Subsequent sections will detail biographical information, performance statistics, and notable moments pertaining to individuals who have carried the number 13 designation while playing for the Collingwood Football Club. These sections will offer insights into their individual impact and broader contribution to the club’s legacy.
1. Player Identity
The numeral assigned to a Collingwood Football Club player functions as a primary identifier within the team structure and in external communications. Linking a specific player identity to number 13 creates an immediate association recognized by supporters, media, and other stakeholders. This association is critical for tracking performance statistics, reporting on team activities, and building the player’s individual brand within the sport.
The importance of player identity extends beyond mere recognition. It establishes a clear line of accountability and responsibility. The player wearing number 13 is held responsible for their on-field performance and adherence to team values. For instance, a player displaying poor conduct while wearing the number can damage the club’s reputation, impacting fan support and potentially affecting sponsorship opportunities. Conversely, exceptional performance enhances the player’s and the club’s image, leading to increased merchandise sales and brand recognition. Nathan Buckley, as a prominent past player for Collingwood, had a strong connection with the number 5, illustrating that past examples would link the players to that said identity.
In summary, the number serves as a critical component of the player’s identity within the Collingwood Football Club context. The assigned number fosters a sense of belonging, creates a measurable link between performance and reputation, and ultimately contributes to the overall success and brand value of both the player and the organization. Challenges may arise when players change numbers or when multiple players share similar names, highlighting the need for clear and consistent communication from the club.
2. Symbolic Representation
Symbolic representation, when applied to the Collingwood Football Club’s guernsey number 13, extends beyond mere numerical identification. It encompasses the values, history, and expectations associated with that specific designation, evolving through the performances and contributions of individuals who have previously worn it.
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Inherited Expectations
The number 13 may carry pre-existing expectations based on the achievements of past players. If a previous wearer achieved significant milestones, subsequent players inheriting the number face the pressure of upholding that legacy. This pressure can influence player performance, motivation, and public perception. The historical context becomes intrinsically linked to the current player.
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Team Values Embodiment
The individual assigned number 13 is expected to embody the core values of the Collingwood Football Club. These values might include leadership, resilience, teamwork, and sportsmanship. The player’s actions, both on and off the field, are interpreted through the lens of these values, contributing to the symbolic weight of the designation. Failure to uphold these values can tarnish the symbolic representation and reflect negatively on the club.
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Fan Association and Identity
Supporters often develop strong emotional connections to specific jersey numbers and the players who wear them. Number 13 can become a symbol of hope, pride, or nostalgia for fans. This association creates a shared identity between the player, the club, and its supporters. The player’s performance directly impacts fan morale and the overall symbolic representation of the number.
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Marketing and Branding Implications
The symbolic significance of number 13 can be leveraged for marketing and branding purposes. Merchandise featuring the number can become popular among fans, generating revenue and reinforcing the club’s brand identity. The player’s image and performance are directly tied to the commercial success of associated products, creating a tangible link between symbolic representation and economic value.
The symbolic representation associated with the number 13 at the Collingwood Football Club is a dynamic and evolving concept, shaped by the actions of individuals, the expectations of supporters, and the marketing strategies of the organization. Understanding this symbolic weight is crucial for appreciating the broader significance of player designations within the club’s rich history.
Number 13 Collingwood Football Club
This exploration has detailed the multifaceted significance of the number 13 Collingwood Football Club designation. It functions not solely as a numerical identifier, but as a symbol laden with historical weight, performance expectations, and a tangible link to the club’s identity. The player assuming this number inherits a legacy, expected to embody team values and contribute to the ongoing narrative of the club.
Understanding the implications of this designation provides a richer appreciation for the complexities of team dynamics and the symbolic power embedded within sporting organizations. Further research and analysis are encouraged to fully comprehend the long-term effects of assigning such symbolic value to individuals within a team environment. The ongoing performance and impact of future players will continue to shape and redefine the meaning associated with number 13 Collingwood Football Club.
