North Melbourne is proud to induct Carl Dilena, Kayne Turner, Greg Ryan and Luke McDonald as the latest Life Members of the club at the 2023 Syd Barker Medal.
Carl Dilena
Carl Dilena started his relationship with North Melbourne as a player, after crossing from Fitzroy at the end of 1990. He wore the royal blue and white for the next two seasons as Shinboner No. 814, playing 10 games and kicking eight goals.
Carl was convinced to join the club's Board by then-president James Brayshaw in 2008 in the wake of the club’s decision to knock back the AFL’s Gold Coast overtures. He took over as CEO in 2013, where he remained until the end of 2019.
The financial health the club finds itself in is Carl’s crowning achievement.
The term ‘cash-strapped Roos’ is now consigned to history largely off the back of the work done under Carl’s leadership.
Kayne Turner
Kayne arrived at Arden Street as the 25th selection of the 2014 AFL Rookie Draft and has a significant impact since.
A versatile player with a team-first attitude, Kayne has built an admirable 130-game career in royal blue and white so far.
He was a key component of North Melbourne's finals series campaigns in 2014 and 2015, and in 2021 was named the Harold Henderson Best Clubman, reflecting his commendable approach to the club off the field as well as on it.
Greg Ryan
Greg’s contribution to the club stretches back decades. He is the club’s current historian, but has worn many hats in service of the club. Statistician, property manager, facilities ... you name it, he’s done it.
His ongoing commitment continues the connection between the Ryan family and North that pre-dates our first great successful era in the 1970s, continues through the 1990s and will be part of our next era of success through his side role in our recruiting team.
This Life Membership now sits alongside his Medal of the Order of Australia which he received earlier this year for his service to community health.
Luke McDonald
A true North Melbourne man, Luke entered North Melbourne as a father-son pick in the 2013 AFL Draft.
He quickly settled into the team in 2014 and as a young gun, was named in the AFLPA's 22Under22 side.
A best and fairest winner, Shinboner of the Year, two-time Harold Henderson Best Clubman, and now club co-captain, Luke has grown to become an outstanding North Melbourne servant and will continue to build on his stellar 181-game career.
