When North takes to the field on Sunday, it will be 179 days since the club's last game.

Plenty has happened in that time, with all the hard work during the pre-season set to be put to the test against West Coast. 

- Marley Williams, Nathan Hrovat and Paul Ahern arrived at North during the AFL's Trade and Free Agency period. 

Marley Williams and Nathan Hrovat on their first day at North.

- 19 players headed to Utah for the club’s pre-season camp in November.

The players hiking in Utah. 

- At the National Draft, Jy Simpkin was selected with pick 12, as the Roos welcomed four draftees and three rookies.

After going into the 2016 season with the second-oldest list, North entered 2017 with the second-youngest.

Jy Simpkin on Draft night. 

- The draftees and senior group hit the training track for the first time on November 28.

Nick Larkey and Todd Goldstein on the first day of training. 

- Luke McDonald and Kayne Turner were handed new numbers, 11 and 28 respectively, while the recruits also pulled on the North jumper for the first time.

 

Luke McDonald receives the number 11 from Michael Firrito. 

- Jack Ziebell was announced as North’s 40th captain, with Robbie Tarrant named vice-captain. Shaun Higgins, Jamie Macmillan and Andrew Swallow completed the leadership group for 2017.

Robbie Tarrant and Jack Ziebell. 

- The Roos’ youngsters headed to Sorrento for a grueling few days of physical activity at First Year Camp.

Josh Williams working hard at First Year Camp. 

- Intensity was high at training with several fiery contests during match simulation in January.

McDonald and Shaun Higgins clashed at training...

... while Braydon Preuss made his presence felt on Andrew Swallow.

 

Braydon Preuss tackles Andrew Swallow during an intra-club match. 

- North opened its 2017 campaign with a win against Sydney, blooding four new recruits and seven other players yet to make their AFL debuts.

Declan Watson, Nick Larkey and Matt Taylor were among those to play their first games, while Hrovat booted three goals after switching from the Bulldogs.

Jack Ziebell's first win as captain. 

- The first game at Arden Street in over 30 years sold out in quick time, with the Roos celebrating returning to their traditional home with another victory.

Preuss and draftee Simpkin put their hands up for selection with impressive games. 

An amazing sight at Arden Street. 

- Jarrad Waite booted five goals in North’s final JLT Series match, despite a competitive defeat at the hands of the Giants.

Jarrad Waite takes a strong mark. 

- Ben Brown made his return from a knee injury in a practice match for Werribee, while a host of Kangaroos impressed just a week before the season-opener.

Ben Brown makes a final push for round one.