LUKE Valente is prepared for expectations on him to rise after accepting Matthew Pavlich's former jumper, but the Fremantle draftee is focused on forging his own legacy in the famous No.29.

The Dockers 'rested' club legend Pavlich's number after he retired at the end of 2016 and have decided the time is right for a comeback.

Valente, a fellow South Australian who oozes leadership, was an obvious choice for the guernsey and felt "very honoured" to follow in the former captain's footsteps.

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"Obviously, Pav being a champion of this club, being a South Australian boy and a champion of the AFL is someone that I've looked up to a fair bit," Valente said.

"Maybe there's pressure from the outside, but I'll be keen to put my own mark on the number as well and take what Pav's done and create my own legacy hopefully."

Pavlich wore No.29 for 17 seasons from 2000 onwards and irrefutably stamped himself as the greatest Docker as a six-time All Australian, all-time leading goalkicker (700) and games record-holder (353).

He presented Freo's six draftees with their guernseys on Wednesday and can't wait to see Valente don his old jumper.  

"Besides the fact he is a Rostrevor (College) boy – arch-rivals of Sacred Heart over there in Adelaide – that's probably the only downside to handing the jumper over to Luke, but thrilled the jumper is back out there," Pavlich said.

"Luke's a tremendous character from what I hear, state under-18s captain like I was, school captain at Rostrevor, vice-captain of the All Australian team, had a fabulous carnival.

"He seems like a really great character and person to continue that tradition.

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"I guess from the external masses there will be (pressure) … but I know as a young player growing up you put a huge amount of expectation on yourself.

"Luke being a high performer, high achiever, not only at school but in his footballing career, will have huge expectations on himself as well.

"Don't underestimate what (expectations) a young man has for their career."

Fremantle's top draft pick Sam Sturt was handed the No.27 guernsey, previously worn by dual Doig medallist Lachie Neale in 135 games before his shock departure to Brisbane.

Lachie Schultz received the No.28, whose former owners include Brady Grey and Steven Koops.

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His former Williamstown teammate Brett Bewley takes over the recently vacated No.34 jumper, worn by another mature-age pick-up Lee Spurr in 120 appearances.

Next Generation Academy product Jason Carter will hope for more luck in the No.35 than previous owner Michael Apeness, who managed only 12 games in five injury-ravaged seasons before retiring last week. 

Rookie recruit Tobe Watson will aim to become the second Docker to debut in No.45 after Gavin Mitchell wore the jumper in 36 games between 1996-97.