FOOTY fans will find it weird enough watching players like James Kelly, Mathew Stokes and Ryan Crowley in Essendon colours in 2016.

But their new numbers will make it even weirder.

The guernsey numbers for the Bombers’ top-up players have been revealed with the NAB Challenge pre-season competition just days away.

The replacements will run out in digits more usually associated with complete unknowns, with some double-takes from fans sure to occur.

Round 18

While he spent 14 seasons in the number 9 at Geelong, James Kelly won’t do the same at the Dons with his 2016 captain Brendon Goddard already claiming it.

Kelly will instead wear number 47, previously made arguably famous by Patrick Ambrose, Cory Dell’Olio and Ricky Olarenshaw.

Ryan Crowley will be in his 50s in 2016 — by his guernsey number, anyway. He’ll wear 51 for the Bombers. Photo: Michael Klein Source: News Corp Australia

Fellow former Cat Stokes will be right next to Kelly wearing number 48.

Stokes clearly wasn’t able to persuade Mason Redman, a 2015 Bombers draft pick, to give up his former number of 27.

Meanwhile, Ryan Crowley will quickly become the second most famous player in the AFL in the fifties behind Ben Brown when he puts on the number 51 guernsey.

Crowley will join James Polkinghorne (50), Jonathan Simpkin (52), Mark Jamar (53) and Sam Grimley (54) in becoming just the second Essendon players ever to wear their respective numbers.

The new Bombers are likely to make their debuts donning the sash on February 28 in Essendon’s first pre-season game when they face Carlton.

ESSENDON TOP-UP PLAYER NUMBERS (PREVIOUSLY FAVOURED NUMBER)

47. James Kelly (9)

48. Mathew Stokes (27)

49. Matt Dea (7)

50. James Polkinghorne (31)

51. Ryan Crowley (15)

52. Jonathan Simpkin (32)

53. Mark Jamar (40)

54. Sam Grimley (35)