2000s
2000
Record: 14-8, 106.2%
Ladder Position: 4th
Finals: Defeated in the Preliminary Final
Syd Barker Medal: Peter Bell
Leading Goalkicker: Wayne Carey (69)
The turn of the century saw North Melbourne's last season as a contender for the premiership with the squad that had taken them to two premierships in the 90's. Aging legs led to inconsistent performances and the worst defence out of the teams that finished inside the top four.
After a humiliating 125 point loss to Essendon in the qualifying final despite seven goals from David King, North Melbourne bounced back with a courageous 10 point win against Hawthorn in the semi final. It couldn't carry on to the preliminary final, as repeated attempts at a comeback against Melbourne fell short to bring to a close one of the most successful era's in North Melbourne history.
2001
Record: 9-13, 91.1%
Ladder Position: 13th
Syd Barker Medal: Shannon Grant
Leading Goalkicker: Saverio Rocca (48)
Much like previous seasons, 2001 brought a slow start for the Kangaroos. But unlike the past, there was to be no recovering. Despite a stretch of seven wins in nine games, North only had nine victories for the season, illustrating their struggles. In the absence of Wayne Carey for almost half the season, new recruit Saverio Rocca topped the club's goalkicking.
Round 16 brought perhaps the most talked about regular season game in AFL history, as North Melbourne jumped out to a 69 point lead against the reigning premiers Essendon, before miraculously being reeled in to lose by 12 points. The Kangaroos would have their revenge by not losing to Essendon...for another seven years.
2002
Record: 12-10, 98.8%
Ladder Position: 7th
Finals: Defeated in the Elimination Final
Syd Barker Medal: Adam Simpson
Leading Goalkicker: Saverio Rocca (50)
In an extraordinary start to the season, Wayne Carey quit the club after revelations of an affair with the wife of Anthony Stevens were exposed. In spite of that, North Melbourne did what North Melbourne does best - win against all the odds.
With troubles off field and constant battles on-field, North Melbourne managed to sneak into the finals with a record of 12 wins and 10 losses to face Melbourne. After a near-miraculous recovery in the last quarter, Melbourne pulled away late to end the Kangaroos' season - the last with Denis Pagan as coach.
He had been elevated to the senior role in 1993 and presided over a remarkable decade at North Melbourne - seven straight preliminary finals from 1994-2000 culminating in three grand finals and two premierships.
2003
Record: 11-10-1, 98.3%
Ladder Position: 10th
Syd Barker Medal: Brent Harvey
Leading Goalkicker: Leigh Harding (33)
Former premiership player Dean Laidley took over the position as head coach in 2003, and immediately showed the effect he would have on the team - leading it to a draw against the rampaging back to back premiers, Brisbane, in round 3.
2003 was an emotional season with multiple marquee matchups - Round 5 was North Melbourne's first match against the new Carlton coach, Denis Pagan. The very next week saw Wayne Carey return to Etihad Stadium to face North Melbourne for the first time since leaving the club at the start of 2002.
2004
Record: 10-12, 100.33%
Ladder Position: 10th
Syd Barker Medal: Brady Rawlings
Leading Goalkicker: Saverio Rocca (49)
After the highs and lows of 2003, 2004 was sedate by comparison. Following a memorable last gasp win against Carlton in Round 3 thanks to a last minute Daniel Wells goal, North Melbourne hovered around mid table for the year.
A crushing loss in Round 22 to the eventual runners up, Brisbane, was a poor way to send out two champions of the club in Anthony Stevens and David King. The duo combined for 533 games, Stevens debuting in 1989 and King in 1994.
2005
Record: 13-9, 99.23%
Ladder Position: 5th
Finals: Defeated in the Elimination Final
Syd Barker Medal: Brent Harvey
Leading Goalkicker: Nathan Thompson (52)
2005 was characterised by a series of comebacks from seemingly impossible positions. From Round 2 against Sydney to a remarkable conclusion of the Round 19 match against Collingwood, North Melbourne had their supporters on the edge of their seats all season long.
It culminated in the club's first finals appearance under Dean Laidley in his third season in charge. Unfortunately, North Melbourne couldn't replicate their victory over Port Adelaide in Round 18 in the Elimination Final and their season was ended.
2006
Record: 7-15, 80.94%
Ladder Position: 14th
Syd Barker Medal: Brady Rawlings
Leading Goalkicker: Nathan Thompson (54)
With a finals appearance in 2005, hopes were high heading into 2006. However, they were quickly dashed as the side struggled to get any momentum going right from the very beginning. An opening day win against Port Adelaide was a misnomer, as North Melbourne only had two wins total through the first half of the season.
Despite Nathan Thompson's brilliance throughout one of the best seasons of his career, North Melbourne ended with the worst attack in the league by total points scored.
2007
Record: 14-8, 109.26%
Ladder Position: 4th
Finals: Defeated in the Preliminary Final
Syd Barker Medal: Brent Harvey
Leading Goalkicker: Corey Jones (46)
2007 looked to be heading in much the same direction of 2006 in the early stages. Nathan Thompson injured his knee in the pre-season and was ruled out for the entire year, and it was promptly followed by three consecutive defeats to start the home and away season.
However, a Round 5 win against Geelong (which inadvertently released them on the entire AFL) was a turning point of the season, and part of a six game winning streak that miraculously turned everything on its head.
Due to finishing in the top four, North Melbourne had a double chance that came into play after a heavy loss to Geelong in the qualifying final. They rebounded the next week with a famous win against Hawthorn before a loss to Port Adelaide in the prelim signaled an end to their season.
2008
Record: 12-9-1, 96.98%
Ladder Position: 7th
Finals: Defeated in the Elimination Final
Syd Barker Medal: Brent Harvey
Leading Goalkicker: David Hale (35)
The biggest off-season in the club's history ended with James Brayshaw leading a now-united board in keeping North south and refusing a move to the Gold Coast. On field North Melbourne continued on the fringes of the top four, and needed only a win in the last round against Port Adelaide - Shannon Grant's 300th match - to secure the double chance.
However in a stunning turn of events, North turned in their worst performance of the season and were comprehensively beaten by 76 points. Instead of a double chance, the club had to travel to Sydney for a sudden death elimination final and were defeated by 35 points to end their season.
2009
Record: 7-14-1, 83.37%
Ladder Position: 13th
Syd Barker Medal: Andrew Swallow
Leading Goalkicker: Drew Petrie (27)
Much like 2006, players and supporters alike entered 2009 with expectations of a successful year after a finals appearance the season prior. But again, much like 2006, those hopes were quickly dashed after an opening round win - this time against Melbourne.
After avoiding their lowest score by only five points in an ugly loss to Adelaide in Round 12, Dean Laidley's tenure at the club as head coach ended. He had been the coach since Denis Pagan left at the end of the 2002 season, coaching 144 games (the fourth most in North Melbourne history) for 71 wins, 71 losses and two draws.
Brad Scott was appointed as senior coach for 2010 and beyond.
2010s
2010
Record: 11-11, 87.41%
Ladder Position: 9th
Syd Barker Medal: Brent Harvey, Brady Rawlings
Leading Goalkicker: Lindsay Thomas (29)
Brad Scott’s first season as North Melbourne coach resulted in a big improvement on 2009’s 13th placed finish, as the Roos’ missed finals by percentage only.
Although North finished the season strongly, crushing defeats against St Kilda (104 points) and eventual premiers Collingwood left it a full 21 per cent short of finals.
2010 also saw current day stars Ben Cunnington and Jamie Macmillan break into the side, with the former playing an impressive 18 games in his debut year.
2011
Record: 10-12, 101.15%
Ladder Position: 9th
Syd Barker Medal: Daniel Wells, Andrew Swallow
Leading Goalkicker: Drew Petrie (48)
Another ninth placed finish meant the Roos’ agonisingly missed out on finals footy once again.
North’s season didn’t get off to a good start, narrowly losing at West Coast in round 1. After a devastating one-point loss to Sydney in Round 10, the Roos found themselves with an unenviable 2-7 record (North had a bye in round 3.)
However, the club rallied from this point, going on to win its next four games, and eight of its remaining 13 (North had a second bye in round 21) to make a late charge towards the finals.
In this run, Brent Harvey played his 312th game for the club, eclipsing Glenn Archer’s club record.
2012
Record: 14-8, 112.49%
Ladder Position: 8th
Finals: Defeated in the Elimination Final
Syd Barker Medal: Andrew Swallow
Leading Goalkicker: Drew Petrie (58)
In 2012, finals footy finally returned to Arden St for the first time since 2008.
Round 2 saw North record its largest winning margin since 1996, as it defeated GWS by 129 points in the first ever AFL game at Blundstone Arena. This was the start of a strong partnership between North Melbourne and Tasmania, with the club playing games in the Apple Isle since.
Led by inspirational captain Andrew Swallow, who led the entire league for tackles, North held onto eighth position, before being knocked out by West Coast in the first week of the finals.
2013
Record: 10-12, 119.43%
Ladder Position: 10th
Syd Barker Medal: Daniel Wells, Scott Thompson
Leading Goalkicker: Lindsay Thomas (53)
North was unfortunately unable to build on its stronger 2012, as the club dropped back to 10th by season’s end.
One of the most memorable games of the season was at the MCG in round 18, when a 16 goal to one second half led the Roos’ to a 122-point win over Melbourne, continuing the recent success over the Demons.
In round 10, Brent Harvey played his 350th AFL game, becoming the first North player to hit the milestone.
Scott Thompson earned his first All-Australian nod at full-back, and while they didn’t make the final cut, Todd Goldstein, Lindsay Thomas and Daniel Wells all made the initial squad.
2014
Record: 14-8, 117.04%
Ladder Position: 6th
Finals: Defeated in the Preliminary Final
Syd Barker Medal: Ben Cunnington
Leading Goalkicker: Drew Petrie (50)
2014 was North Melbourne’s most exciting year so far under Brad Scott.
After finishing sixth, North defied the odds through the finals, beating Essendon in the Elimination Final, before upsetting Geelong at the MCG in the semi-final, setting up a Preliminary Final clash against Sydney.
Despite beating the Swans’ in Sydney in Round 4, the Roos’ couldn’t repeat the effort and missed out on the Grand Final.
2015
Record: 13-9, 106.45%
Ladder Position: 8th
Finals: Defeated in the Preliminary Final
Syd Barker Medal: Todd Goldstein
Leading Goalkicker: Drew Petrie, Jarrad Waite (42)
Despite a lower ladder finish than in 2014, the Roos again defied the odds as they reached back-to-back preliminary finals.
Todd Goldstein’s dominance was on display throughout 2015, as the ruckman set new benchmarks for his craft.
Goldstein set a new AFL record for hit-outs in a season, with a whopping 80 of these coming against GWS in Round 12. The ruckman was duly awarded a selection in the All-Australian final squad, and his first Syd Barker medal.
In Round 17, Brent Harvey played his 400th AFL game, becoming only the fourth VFL/AFL player to reach the milestone, as he approached Michael Tuck’s games record of 426.
The Roos got their revenge for 2014’s prelim as they knocked Sydney out on their own turf in the Semi Final, but once again the Preliminary Final proved a step to far, as they succumbed to West Coast.
2016
Record: 12-10, 106.45%
Ladder Position: 8th
Finals: Defeated in Elimination Final.
Syd Barker Medal: Robbie Tarrant
Leading Goalkicker: Ben Brown (41)
2016 got off to the best possible start, with the Roos winning their first nine games for the first time in the club’s history. The fairytale start wasn’t to last however, as North finished with a 12-10 record and only just held onto eighth position, before being knocked out in week one of the finals.
In round 19, all eyes were on one man. Brent ‘Boomer’ Harvey became the all-time VFL/AFL games record holder, as he notched up his 427th game at the highest level, surpassing Michael Tuck. Fittingly, the Roos’ celebrated with a 23-point victory over St Kilda.
Veterans Brent Harvey, Drew Petrie, Nick Dal Santo and Michael Firrito all retired or departed the club at the end of the season.
With Andrew Swallow coming towards the end of his career, Jack Ziebell was announced as his successor as captain, starting from the 2017 season.
2017
Record: 6-16, 87.59%
Ladder Position: 15th
Syd Barker Medal: Shaun Higgins
Leading Goalkicker: Ben Brown (63)
The focus for 2017 and beyond was a fresh approach through youth, and the club had a massive 11 first-gamers debut throughout the season.
On-field, North was right in the game in several matches early in the season, and was able to showcase its emerging youth, but ultimately finished the season 6-16 and in 15th position.
The highlight of the season was no doubt the crushing 59-point win against eventual minor premiers and Grand Finalists Adelaide at Blundstone Arena.
Close but not close enough was the theme of the season, with North losing five games by under a goal.
Another pair of wins against Melbourne extended the Roos’ streak against the Dees to 18, the longest in the AFL.
Despite the struggles on-field, off the field there was plenty of cause for celebration, with the club announcing it will field a standalone VFL team in 2018, an AFLW team in 2019, and the redevelopment of the Arden St precinct.
2018
Record: 12-10, 108.9%
Ladder Position: 9th
Syd Barker Medal: Shaun Higgins
Leading Goalkicker: Ben Brown (61)
After finishing 15th in 2017, and missing out on some high-profile free agents, external expectations were set low for North Melbourne, with many pundits predicting the Roos would finish towards the bottom of the ladder.
These expectations were soon cast away, with the Kangaroos starting the season in brilliant fashion, recording some impressive wins over the likes of Hawthorn, Fremantle and GWS to be placed well and truly in the top 8 with a 7-4 record after 11 rounds.
Injuries to key players such as Jarrad Waite and Ben Jacobs curtailed the Roos form however, with the club eventually missing finals by a single win, finishing 9th.
Individually there were also many positives, with Ben Brown finishing second in the Coleman Medal, and Shaun Higgins becoming North's first All Australian selection since Todd Goldstein in 2015.
2019
Record: 10-12, 99.5%
Ladder Position: 12th
Syd Barker Medal: Ben Cunnington
Leading Goalkicker: Ben Brown (64)
North Melbourne started the 2019 season slowly, losing its first three games, and winning just two of the first nine.
As a result, the Round 10 clash with the Bulldogs was Brad Scott's last game after a decade in charge, with the players sending him out with a memorable win.
Rhyce Shaw took charge as the interim coach to great effect, winning four of his first five games at the helm, including brilliant wins over Collingwood, and eventual premiers Richmond.
The Roos' strong form under Shaw saw him appointed head coach in August.
Although North missed finals once again, the rise of young stars Cam Zurhaar, Nick Larkey, Tarryn Thomas and Bailey Scott was enough to fill fans with optimism for the years ahead.
Once again, Ben Brown was at his dominant best in the forward line, kicking 64 goals, including a 10-goal haul v Port Adelaide, while Syd Barker Medallist Ben Cunnington was named in the All Australian squad for the first time.
