02-07-2025
Roos have much to celebrate, but old guard aren't all in the mood to party
North Melbourne Football Club is marking its centenary on Thursday night at Marvel Stadium with a special match against the Bulldogs – but not everyone wants to celebrate.
Not only is the club celebrating the centenary of its admittance into the VFL/AFL, but it is also paying tribute to the 50th anniversary of its historic premiership victory in 1975 against Hawthorn. And the club's historic AFLW win last year.
That's a lot for president Sonja Hood and chief executive Jennifer Watt to organise. The club wiped its debts a few years back but is not exactly rolling in it.
First, the good news. Attending from the famous 1975 team are AFL Hall of Fame Legend Malcolm Blight, two-time Brownlow medallist Keith Greig, legendary fullback David Dench, 306-game player Wayne Schimmelbusch and champion defender John 'Mopsy' Rantall, as well as teammates Peter Chisnall, Frank Gumbleton, Ross Henshaw and Gary Farrant.
Those no longer with us are Barry Davis – the Kangaroos' 1975 team captain – Mick Nolan, Paul Feltham and legendary AFL figure and 1975 coach Ron Barassi, who died two years ago.
Then there are those who are simply not coming. Premiership player Sam Kekovich, famous for his radio commentary 'rants', is carrying his combustible style into real life and boycotting the event, apparently on the basis that he wanted a separate gala dinner to honour the 1975 team rather than a combined do. OK Boomer.
The disgraced Barry Cable, who was stripped of his club and AFL honours after a Perth judge in civil proceedings ruled he had sexually abused a girl, is not coming.
Brent 'Tiger' Crosswell, an Age columnist and said to be one of the inspirations for a character in David Williamson 's renowned football play, The Club, can't travel due to long-term illness. Arnold Briedis is overseas.
