A new season, a new number for Max Caputo.
The City Academy graduate will be sporting a fresh look in 2026/27, making the move to the famous number nine shirt as he prepares for another big season leading the line.
And it’s a number with plenty of history at City.
Caputo becomes the first City Men’s player to wear the number since Club legend Jamie Maclaren, who departed in 2024 after a record-breaking five years in Melbourne.
A teammate of Caputo’s when the young striker first broke through from the Academy, Maclaren made the number nine his own in City blue, scoring a Club-record 115 goals and claiming four Golden Boots during a trophy-laden spell.
The shirt has remained vacant since his departure – until now.
After finishing as City’s leading goalscorer in each of the past two seasons, Caputo will become the latest striker entrusted with the nine as he looks to continue his rise in 2026/27.
From 49 to 9
It’s been quite the journey through the squad list for our Academy graduate.
Caputo first appeared in City colours wearing number 49 when he made his senior debut as a 15-year-old in 2021, before switching to 37 the following season.
That number remained on his back for several campaigns and was there for another major milestone in April 2023, when he scored his first professional goal – a late equaliser against Newcastle Jets at AAMI Park.
Another change arrived ahead of 2024/25 as Caputo moved into number 17, which he has worn throughout the past two seasons.
And, in a neat bit of numerology, he departs the shirt having scored exactly 17 goals wearing number 17.
Now comes another new number, and his lightest yet.
49 → 37 → 17 → 9.
With the new A-League Men’s season drawing closer, City’s newest number nine will be hoping there are plenty more goals to come.
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