In just his ninth game of league football, Darren Crocker ran out onto the Arden Street Oval to complete in the last ever match at the venue.
But aged just 18 at the time, he’s lucky to remember any of the clash against Richmond.
“I copped a massive bump from Richmond’s Trevor Poole that actually left me quite concussed,” Crocker managed to recall to NMFC.com.au.
“Our coach at the time, John Kennedy, had really built the match up. It was a pretty emotional for everyone involved with the club, and he kept reminding us that it was to be the last game at our spiritual home.”
While the Tigers had a six-point lead at the first break, the Roos gained control of the match by halftime and never looked back thanks to performances from Stephen McCann, Peter German and Andrew Demetriou.
“Peter German, to this day, still tells people that he kicked North’s last ever goal at Arden Street,” Crocker said.
“Big Steve McCann put on a show that day with five goals and although there was only a small crowd here, it was quite sad to farewell the venue.”
North secured a 50-point win in front of just 7,341 fans.
“We had moved a lot of our home matches to the MCG and suburban football was becoming less popular I suppose,” Crocker added.
Thirty-two-years on, league football will return to Arden Street with North set to host Hawthorn in a JLT Community Series match.
“It’s a great result for us,” Crocker said.
“I think it will be hugely exciting for all our fans to come out to Arden Street and watch a really competitive game against the Hawks.”
The AFL has scheduled a game at the historic oval on February 26 at 2.05pm.
“The AFL contacted us a few months back asking to have a look at the oval and our facilities,” North Managing Director & CEO Carl Dilena explained to NMFC.com.au.
“While we obviously knew the league was considering putting on a pre-season match here, we were thrilled when the news came through a few days ago. This will be great for the local area and will be great to see football being played here again.”
During the summer of 2012/2013, the oval was resurfaced. The changes included the removal of the turf cricket wickets and an increase in dimensions to match Etihad Stadium.
“The AFL has advised it will need to bring in some amenities but overall, we have everything in order. Our facility is only six-years-old and will be an outstanding venue to host a match,” Dilena said.
North will kick off its pre-season campaign in Coffs Harbour on February 19 against the Swans and rounds out its tune up with a match in Canberra against the Giants on March 10.
North’s JLT Community Series
MATCH 1
Sydney Swans Vs North Melbourne
Coffs Harbour International Stadium
Sunday, February 19 at 2.05pm (AEDT)
MATCH 2
North Melbourne Vs Hawthorn
North Melbourne Recreation Reserve - Arden Street
Sunday, February 26 at 2.05pm (AEDT)
MATCH 3
GWS Giants Vs North Melbourne
Manuka Oval, Canberra
Friday, March 10 at 5.50pm (AEDT)
*All matches will be broadcast live on Fox Footy
