The man who made The Huddle a reality, Peter Scanlon, has been recognised for his commitment to North Melbourne, awarded life membership on Friday.
Scanlon was welcomed into the select group at the Roos’ night-of-nights, the Syd Barker Club Champion Dinner.
The award-winning Huddle programs continue to grow and thrive, and Scanlon’s contribution to the Roos has been instrumental in ensuring North is a leader in the community space.
The Huddle has this year branched out into Wyndham, with plans well underway for its introduction into Tasmania.
The Scanlon Foundation was vital for the birth of The Huddle, and Scanlon himself said he agreed to throw his support behind the initiative after the club fought to remain in Melbourne in the late 2000's.
"There was an agreement, that (North) would attempt to be the best in the AFL at linking back to its community,” Scanlon said earlier this year.
“If they were prepared to do that in a non-token way I was prepared to put in a lot of support, which has led to The Huddle.”
Thanks to Scanlon’s tireless efforts, The Huddle is now the envy of the league.
"Most of them (other clubs) are studying how North Melbourne do it. I suspect most people couldn't have thought they'd achieve what they've achieved because it is quite remarkable.”
Also awarded life membership on Friday night were two members of North’s current playing list, Lachlan Hansen and Lindsay Thomas.
Both have been a big part of North’s success over recent years, after joining the club in the 2006 National Draft. Thomas has accumulated 196 games for the Roos, while Hansen has played in 138 in the royal blue and white.