Pagan played 120 games for the club between 1967 and 1974 and was a hard-nosed defender.
When contacted by kangaroos.com.au about the photo, Pagan remembers exactly why and when it was taken.
“That photo was taken pre Christmas 1972, it was for some charity or support for a charity group,” he recalled.
“Ron Barassi had just been appointed maybe four weeks earlier.”
A badge can be seen pinned to the chest of Dench belonging to the charity, but it’s unrecognisable.
While things seem amicable at the time this snap was taken, Barassi ultimately forced Pagan out of the side following the Grand Final loss to Richmond in 1974 which sparked a list shake-up.
Pagan later returned as coach of the Kangaroos’ under 19’s in the late 80s and early 90s, leading the club’s youngsters to five premierships, before taking on the head coaching role in 1993, at the age of 45. He won two premierships with North in 1996 and 1999 and finished up in 2002.
If you have any more information about the photo let us know in the comments below.
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