Glenn Archer says North Melbourne players owe their gratitude and respect for all those who have rolled up their sleeves for the club over the past 150 years.
Speaking at North’s 150th Anniversary Dinner on Saturday night, the Shinboner of the Century made a heartfelt dedication.
“Walking into this club as a player nearly 30 years ago, my perception was that AFL clubs were all about the players and the coach. It’s easy to think that, as the players are the ones that we look up to, the people we idolise and the people that are putting on the show,” he said.
“It didn’t take me long to work out that the players are just one section of multiple sections of the club that determines whether it survives, thrives, has success or doesn’t.
“Our history like all organisations has had its ups and downs but what I know to be certain, is that if we didn’t have the staff, administrators, benefactors, volunteers, supporters and members, with the passion, persistence, perseverance and love for our football club, we would not be here tonight to celebrate 150 years. This is fact.
“Let’s never forget who the real Shinboners are and who have given us the platform to live our dreams as players.
“So to all the staff, administrators, benefactors, volunteer’s, supporters and members of the past 150 years we say thank you for giving us what we have.”
Archer also made specific mention of North’s fight over the decades.
“Not that I want to focus on the dark times but I can’t help thinking what could have happened to us if we didn’t have the amazing strength and resilience of our people through those times of need,” he said.
“We entered the VFL competition in 1925 and didn't play a final until 1945 and won eight wooden spoons in those 20 years.
“Between 1929 to 1931 we won a total of two games in three years; how hard must it have been at that time.
“It would have been easy for those not strong enough to walk away and say, “it’s all too hard” but our people didn’t. Our supporters stuck fat, our staff and volunteers dug in and got us through those days.
“We have had times when we have been broke, been told to merge or leave and find a new home … leave North Melbourne!
“But our people at North have always found a way to never give up and find a way to say, “get stuffed! We are digging in and we are going no-where!” It takes a lot of courage and hard work to be able to do that.”
Looking to the future, Archer said the club is in good hands.
“We are now in the best financial position we have ever been in, we live at Arden Street in a state-of-the-art facility and we are about to embark on the next chapter of our club’s history,” he said.
