Flashback to 1993; it was Denis Pagan's first year as coach, and North boasted an exciting mix of youth and experience across every line. 

The previous season was admittedly tough, a 7-15 win-loss record was certainly far from ideal, but with renewed energy, new faces, and more valuable experience, Roos' fans were full of hope.

Pagan had arrived in controversial circumstances, replacing Wayne Schimmelbusch on the eve of the '93 campaign, but quickly made his presence felt.

John Blakey (former Fitzroy) and Dean Laidley (West Coast) were among the new faces in Round 1, and by Round 6, emerging forward Adrian McAdam had also forced his way into the side.

North's biggest weapon was its firepower in attack; five rounds in, the Roos had averaged 137 points a game. John Longmire, Wayne Carey, Mark Roberts and McAdam had all booted bags of five or more in the first month of the year.

The likes of (Wayne) Schwass, (Anthony) Stevens and (Anthony) Rock were dominating through the midfield. Schwass later polled 11 Brownlow votes in the first five games alone. 

So when North came up against a Sydney team which had lost its four games by an average of 69 points, the signs were ominous.  

No one could have expected what happened next though ... by quarter-time at Princes Park, the Roos had booted 11 goals. They led by 62 points.

In a remarkable, albeit temporary turn of the tide, the Swans responded with a seven-goal second quarter, keeping North to four. 

By half-time, 23 goals were on the board, with Pagan's team leading by 44 points. 

But then, things got a little ugly; 10 North goals in the 'premiership quarter' saw its score explode to 160 by the final change.

Another 10-goal term in the last and history was made - 35.19.229 - the club's highest ever score in a game.

For the 9,230 people in attendance, it was a masterclass, led by McAdam and Longmire. 

In his second game of AFL football, McAdam kicked 10 goals. Longmire booted 9. 

Carey was pretty handy too, with a stat-line of 26 disposals, 8 marks and 3 goals.

Rock was brilliant through the middle, amassing 28 touches and 2 goals, while 21-year-old Anthony Stevens gathered 22. 

On the day, there were 51 goals kicked; the Swans' score of 16.9.105 a more-than-competitive total in the current era, but only enough for a 124-point loss back in '93. 

McAdam polled the three Brownlow votes, with 24 possessions, 14 marks, and 10.6 - not a bad day at the office!

Rock got the two, while Sydney's Scott Watters' effort of 33 disposals and 3 goals in a 100-plus point loss certainly deserved praise, earning a vote from the umpires. 

It was a pretty forgettable year for the Swans, who won just one game.

North continued an amazing season in front of the big sticks, averaging 129 points across 20 games, but was ultimately knocked out in the Elimination Final.

For Pagan and his super-talented group, their time was still to come. 

North Melbourne 11.5.71, 15.7.97, 25.10.160, 35.19.229
Sydney 1.3.9, 8.5.53, 12.8.80, 16.9.105

Goals: McAdam 10, Longmire 9, Carey 3, Roberts 3, Ishchenko 3, Rock 2, German 2, Romero 1, Allison 1, Schwass 1
Leading disposals: Rock 28, Carey 26, McAdam 24, Stevens 22, Sholl 19, Longmire 18, Romero 18