Brent Harvey has paid tribute to long-serving football department staff member Jona Segal, who will depart the club after 21 seasons. 

Commencing his career at North Melbourne in 2000, Segal has been a key pillar in the club’s strength-and-conditioning and nutrition programs. 

His tenure has seen him work with five senior coaches and more than 150 debutants, across close to 500 games. 

“He’s (Segal) one of the best people that has walked through the door since I’ve been around,” Harvey said.

“He’d do anything for anyone … not just the players, but staff as well.

“He become not only a work colleague for me, but a really, really good friend.”

Segal built close relationships and helped fine-tune the bodies of some of the most famous names in the club’s history. He has also been a part of nine finals campaigns. 

“He was great form the word go, from being a dietitian to a strength-and-conditioning coach and giving me tips on how to maintain my body,” Harvey said.

“Jona says that I was a professional, but half the credit goes to people like him. We understood each other and had a great working relationship.”

Segal held the role as High Performance Manager from 2017 to 2020, which included overseeing individual at-home programs for the entire list when the 2020 season was postponed.

He also initiated numerous innovative and gruelling pre-season training camps in Utah, to enhance player performance. 

“Jona’s work ethic over such a long period of time has been second-to-none,” North GM football, Brady Rawlings said. 

“He is highly respected within the club, particularly among the playing group.

“For decades he has driven high standards and always prioritised our players’ health, wellbeing and training, including bringing new and fresh ideas.

“His dedication to the club has been unwavering and we wish him all the best for the future.”