Then-federal opposition leader Simon Crean poses with North Melbourne's Glenn Archer and captain Anthony Stevens at a Kangaroos community camp in Canberra on February 4, 2003.

North Melbourne sends its condolences to the Crean family, following the passing of former No.1 ticket holder Simon over the weekend.

A former leader of the federal Labor Party and a rusted-on North Melbourne supporter, Crean was a prominent figure in Australian life for more than three decades.

In 1985 he was elected president of the Australian Council of Trade Unions, and negotiated agreements on wages and other industrial issues.

He was later elected to Parliament, and served as the Labor member for Hotham under Prime Ministers Bob Hawke and Paul Keating.

Over more than 23 years in Parliament he was responsible for portfolios spanning trade, education, energy, arts and science, among others.

He went on to serve as the leader of the federal opposition from 2001 to 2003.

Crean maintained a great passion for the Kangaroos throughout his life and career, and was a regular presence at North Melbourne matches.

He served as the club's No.1 ticket holder until 2006, when he passed the baton to Australian Test cricket captain Ricky Ponting.