NMFC.com.au looks back on the breaking news and other stories that made headlines.

Monday
The Australia Day public holiday didn't stop the North Melbourne players' preparations ahead of the 2014 season.

Hitting the track in front of a big crowd, the Kangaroos endured a marathon session that spanned more than four hours.

Before the session, Brent Harvey spoke of his excitement at being ready for Round One after a delayed start last year and his impressions of new recruits Nick Dal Santo and Robin Nahas.

Indoors, 35 individuals became new Australian citizens in a special ceremony hosted by NMFC and The Huddle.

Tuesday
Ben Cunnington spoke to The Age's Emma Quayle about the confidence he'll be taking into 2014.

The midfielder expressed the need to play on instinct and the impact Jack Ziebell has had on his development.

Meanwhile, on the track, Majak Daw was continuing his battle to be ready for Round One. Off it, the Man vs Majak phenomenon continued with the second episode released; cross-training.

Leigh Adams was ruled out of the opening NAB Challenge game, while Robbie Tarrant, Cameron Delaney and Aaron Mullett will all be looking for at least some playing time in the pre-season.

Andrew Swallow's recovery from an achilles injury continued as he eyed a return in the first month of the season.

Elsewhere, senior assistant coach Darren Crocker was lending a hand to his former club Scoresby.

Brad Scott took to Twitter in a special AFL.com.au feature, labelling rookie Kayne Turner as one of the most competitive players he's seen in a long time.

Trent Dumont, Luke McDonald and Joel Tippett were also earmarked as players in with a chance of making early debuts.

Wednesday
Brent Harvey's selfless act to step down from the leadership group paved the way for Sam Gibson and Nick Dal Santo to move in.

Brad Scott said the veteran will now mentor the club's emerging leaders, while admitting it's tempting to give Jack Ziebell a taste of the captaincy in Andrew Swallow's absence.

The coach spoke highly of Majak Daw, but is unsure whether 2014 will be the year he cements a senior spot.

AFL.com.au gave Drew Petrie the title of North's most important player, while Leigh Matthews views on congestion sparked debate.

The former player and coach suggested teams should have a handful of players inside the 50-metre arcs at all stoppages.

Elsewhere, Mason Wood revealed his aspirations and relished the opportunity to get involved in more match practice after his knee injury.

Thursday
North has been one of the most talked about teams so far this pre-season and Brad Scott wants the players to embrace the hype.

Labelling 2013 as a 'wasted opportunity', he was quick to point out there was also significant improvement.

The idea of putting player names on jumpers, a concept North was the first Victorian team to support, became a reality.

The AFL to introduce the idea in Round 5.

With games edging closer, NMFC.com.au analysed the options at Scott's disposal for the game against Carlton on February 15.  

Meanwhile, episode 3 of Man vs Majak, featuring Daw showing his strength in the gym was an immediate hit, attracting more than 3,000 views on YouTube on the day of its release.

Friday
Sam Gibson expressed his delight at being added to the leadership, with interviews on Radio Sport National and NMFC.com.au.

The 27-year-old said it was great to be held in such high regard by his team-mates.

The players hit the track for more match practice, as the countdown continues until the NAB Challenge.

Meanwhile, Drew Petrie reflected on an amazing batting performance in the Ricky Ponting tribute game in Launceston.

The North big man hit 38 runs off 15 balls in a devastating display facing Matthew Hayden.