Katie Brennan understands the legacy and power of Ted Whitten’s number three Guernsey better than most, and it’s with the Whitten family’s blessing that she'll wear it on her back this Saturday night during the Women's All-Stars match.

The Western Bulldogs host Melbourne under lights this weekend at the very ground that the legendary Mr. Football made his own over 321 games between 1951 and 1970. 

Whitten’s shadow is significant at the old Western Oval - there’s the statue, the grandstand and of course, the ground itself now carries his name. 

Brennan was born almost 60 years after EJ and 21 years after he played his final game in the red, white and blue hoops, but a meeting with his son, Ted Jr. in Cairns earlier this year was her chance to pass on how much Whitten meant to her as a footballer and a person.

“Wearing the number three was certainly something I thought about before I met Ted Whitten Jnr,” Brennan told westernbulldogs.com.au.

“After meeting Ted in Cairns this year, I told him that EJ was my hero and that I was thinking about asking for the number and he gave me his blessing and said that he would be wrapt.

“I couldn't wipe the smile off my face.

“He told me more about EJ and his journey and I fell in love even more.” 

Saturday night’s showcase is a long way from Logan, just south of Brisbane, where Brennan grew up kicking footy’s through poles on her families’ tennis court, but the elder Whitten’s deeds made their way north of the border and had a major impact on a young Brennan.

“Although I was never old enough to have watched him play, I was instantly drawn to EJ and his story,” she said.

“He is not only one of the greatest players of all time but the work he did off the field in the community is something I admire greatly. 

“It will be an incredible honour and something I am so proud of. I feel it comes with great responsibility.”