Kangaroos | North Melbourne Football Club |
The North Melbourne Football Club emerged from humble origins in 1869 out of a need to provide local cricketers with a sport throughout the idle winter months.
While the Club claims no actual founder, James Henry Gardiner is widely recognised as the key figure in establishing the Club in its formative years. Within five years, the familiar blue and white of the North Melbourne Club played in regular fixtures at its home in Royal Park.
North Melbourne played Hawthorn in the 1975 Grand Final, and would realise the dreams of those who had fought so hard for the very existence of the Club. The 55-point victory was just reward for the many years of heartache, pain and suffering endured by the loyal and resilient North Melbourne supporters.
The rebirth of the Kangaroos continued as the Club played off for the Premiership again the following season (albeit unsuccessfully) in 1976 and again in 1977.
In fact, it took two attempts to win Norths second VFL Flag, as the first game against Collingwood ended in a dramatic draw. Facing a 27-point deficit at three-quarter time, the defiant Roos clawed their way back into the game to tie the scores at the end of play. The following weeks replay saw North run out 27-point victors.
North played in their sixth successive Grand Final in 1978 but was once again defeated by Hawthorn.
North Melbourne next tasted Premiership glory in 1996. After losing successive Preliminary Finals in 1994 and 95, the Roos rolled on to a deserved third Premiership when it defeated Sydney by 43 points. Much credit must be given to the players who endured a turbulent season that looked set to end in a merger with the beleaguered Fitzroy Football Club.
1998 saw the Club play in its ninth Grand Final and second under coach Denis Pagan. Unfortunately the Roos were unable to capitalise on a four goal half time lead and Adelaide were the eventual Premiers. This was also the last time the Club played under the banner North Melbourne.
The decision to play and trade under the banner of the Kangaroos reflected the Clubs decision to broaden its national appeal. While we are and always shall remain the North Melbourne Football Club, fully capitalising on the Clubs long-standing nickname the Kangaroo - a true Australian icon - is believed to provide significant opportunities in developing an Australia-wide profile.
1999 proved to be another great year, with the club defeating Carlton in the Grand Final, to win its fourth Premiership.
Supporters Say - Give Us Back Our Club
A group of North Melbourne Football Club supporters has met to plan the return of the North Melbourne Football Club to its members.
North Melbourne Football Club
204-206 Arden Street, North Melbourne VIC 3051 - MAP
1300 KANGAS (1300 526 427)
❊ Web Links ❊
➼ Kangaroos | North Melbourne Football Club
➼ www.kangaroos.com.au
➼ We Are North Melbourne
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