The ever-evolving landscape of the AFL means its not just the competition that has shifted and evolved since the nationalisation of the VFL in 1990, but each club has had to change and adapt. North Melbourne is no different.

Teams have been formed, teams have ceased to exist. Hundreds of players have come and gone, premierships won and lost. One thing that's stayed consistent is the presence of the Kangaroos at Arden Street.

As a lifelong supporter of the club, new president Sonja Hood says the values of North Melbourne have remained strong since her youth.

"It's changed in many ways beyond recognition, but at its core it’s still the same club. At its core the essence is still the same. That value, that Shinboner [spirit] permeates everything and it's absolutely critical," Hood said on the Happy Dais podcast.

"This club has always innovated first, it’s always had to think outside of the square - partly because it’s smaller and we've had to, but partly because it’s who we are … we've always been an innovative club and I'm proud of that.

"You should never forget where you come from, and you should never forget the people who put you where you are and who are responsible not just for the history of the club, but its future."

One landmark inclusion into the fabric of the Kangaroos' was the foundation of The Huddle, the club’s community arm, in 2010.

Since its inception, The Huddle has gone onto play a crucial role in the Kangaroos embedding their roots within their home suburb.

Hood, who worked closely with The Huddle from 2010-2015 says its ability to go from strength to strength indicates the club's commitment to community efforts.

"The most important thing The Huddle did is say 'what do you need from us?' rather than say 'we're a big football club with closed doors, you can come in on our terms’," she said.

"When I was here the two most simple things we did were Friday night basketball, kids would come and play basketball on the basketball court, they self organised and we made that possible, and study, afternoon study for teenagers.

"There were plenty of homework programs for younger kids but nothing for teenagers. The Huddle has replicated that model all over the place now but it is a fantastic thing.

"The work in The Huddle was, and still is, done by some phenomenal people who had some ideas about how community development should look within a footy club."