Danny Frawley’s revered No. 2 will return the field once again after spending the past two seasons in retirement in respect of the late St Kilda champion.

Emerging Saints young gun Marcus Windhager will be the one to bring the esteemed digit back into circulation, with the new No. 2 receiving the club honour late last year with the approval of the Frawley family.

Tonight's match against Collingwood will also mark the first time the No. 2 will feature in a Spud's Game fixture since the game was first introduced in 2021.

Although less than 50 games into his journey at St Kilda, the significance of taking up the mantle hasn’t been lost on Windhager.

“I think now to wear the No. 2, it’s very exciting and definitely a privilege,” Windhager said upon inheriting the No. 2.

“It’s a huge honour and my responsibility now as a custodian of the guernsey is to enhance that legacy and leave it in a better place.

“Spud’s legacy is something you hear about as soon as you walk through the doors of the club. You hear from all the people who played with him – from Tony Brown to Robert Harvey – about his love for this place and his drive for St Kilda to succeed.”

Windhager adopted the No. 17 during his first two seasons at St Kilda, however had eyes on the No. 2 well before any football dreams came to pass.

A national U15s basketball prior to entering the football fold, Windhager idolised the No. 2 worn by NBA great Kyrie Irving during his time at the Cleveland Cavaliers.

“I loved my old No. 17. It had never really resonated with me before I got to the club, but I liked it when I got given it. But I always loved No. 2, ever since I was a little kid,” Windhager said.

“Now I’m a little older and knowing the history of it with Spud and all he stood for, I think it’s very symbolic and speaks to me.”

Frawley’s eldest daughter and Head of Community and Operations at the Danny Frawley Centre, Chelsea, said the No. 2 “couldn’t have gone to a better person”.

“I think the No. 2 embodies exactly what it means to be a leader on and off the field,” Frawley said.

“Dad was such a great captain here at the club during his time, but I think the most significant thing he did was in his later years, which was to be able to talk about mental health.

“I’m sure dad would be really proud to see Marcus wearing his number.”

Read this article in this week's Spud's Game edition of the AFL Record, available at the MCG on Thursday night!