How long since new members were admitted? It seems to have been forgotten. With no matches to worry about until next month this would be a good time for those who decide these things to get together and nominate some worthy additions--even via Zoom if necessary.
Before any recent players and administrators are considered, there are some from the past who have been sadly overlooked. I would like to remind the club of those who gave sterling service for little reward or success:
PLAYERS
Richard “Dickie” HOUSTON (1881-90, 97-98) 173 matches ? goals
Often called “one of the best footballers in the colony” in his time. A great rover and field leader for the club in their VFA years. Captained the team in 1890 and 1898. Also a fine cricketer.
Charles HARDY (1908-21) 224 matches ? goals
The driving force behind North’s successful VFA teams, along with Syd Barker and George Rawle. Hardy played for the club from 1908-15 and 1918-21 and was regarded as the best rover of his time. He was captain in 1914 and 1920 and vice-captain to Barker in 1915. if Barker is in the HOF, Hardy should be too.
Ronald James “Jimmy” ADAMSON (1929-41) 180 matches 13 goals
One of North’s few shining lights in the dark days of the 1920s and 1930s and one of the club’s greatest players of that era. He was a solid defender-- a back pocket specialist. Captain in 1936-37, captain-coach and B&F winner in 1940.
William “Bill” FINDLAY (1935-45) 158 matches 352 goals
Clever rover and goal-sneak. Led North during some of the war years and combined with Sid Dyer to score many goals. Played in an unsuccessful era but played in North’s first finals match in 1945.
Henry Dalziel “Dally” O’BRIEN (1938-49) 135 matches 63 goals
Utility player who could run all day. Captained North in their first ever VFL finals match. At the time he was described as “pound for pound” the best player North Melbourne had.
Peter STEWARD (1962-65, 67-70) 126 matches 10 goals
Excelled at both full-back and centre half-back. Stopped the best forwards in the game in his time. Victorian and All Australian player. He underwent the first knee reconstruction operation to be performed on a VFL player. Named in North’s Team of the Century.
ADMINISTRATORS
Richard SUTCLIFFE President 1875, 1877-81
One of the club’s founding members. Local hotel proprietor who hosted many early club meetings at his Turf Club Hotel. One of the driving forces behind re-forming the club as Hotham in 1877. He also moved the motion that the club change its name back to North Melbourne in 1888.
Alfred WOODHAM Secretary 1893-1899, 1903
Rendered exceptional service to North and to the VFA. Took over as secretary when the club was in danger of disbanding. Three times while Secretary he stepped in to play for the club when it was short of players on the day. The first Best & Fairest award introduced by the VFA was called the Woodham Cup from 1923-25.
John MEERE Secretary 1929-33. Treasurer 1935-47. President 1952-53
Basically the face of the club for many years. His smile was legendary. When cartoonists drew various animals or symbols to represent different clubs, Meere was often drawn to represent North before the kangaroo was adopted. He gave the club sterling service as Secretary and Treasurer, and stepped into the breach to serve as President when ill health forced Frank Trainor to step down.
Any others?
Before any recent players and administrators are considered, there are some from the past who have been sadly overlooked. I would like to remind the club of those who gave sterling service for little reward or success:
PLAYERS
Richard “Dickie” HOUSTON (1881-90, 97-98) 173 matches ? goals
Often called “one of the best footballers in the colony” in his time. A great rover and field leader for the club in their VFA years. Captained the team in 1890 and 1898. Also a fine cricketer.
Charles HARDY (1908-21) 224 matches ? goals
The driving force behind North’s successful VFA teams, along with Syd Barker and George Rawle. Hardy played for the club from 1908-15 and 1918-21 and was regarded as the best rover of his time. He was captain in 1914 and 1920 and vice-captain to Barker in 1915. if Barker is in the HOF, Hardy should be too.
Ronald James “Jimmy” ADAMSON (1929-41) 180 matches 13 goals
One of North’s few shining lights in the dark days of the 1920s and 1930s and one of the club’s greatest players of that era. He was a solid defender-- a back pocket specialist. Captain in 1936-37, captain-coach and B&F winner in 1940.
William “Bill” FINDLAY (1935-45) 158 matches 352 goals
Clever rover and goal-sneak. Led North during some of the war years and combined with Sid Dyer to score many goals. Played in an unsuccessful era but played in North’s first finals match in 1945.
Henry Dalziel “Dally” O’BRIEN (1938-49) 135 matches 63 goals
Utility player who could run all day. Captained North in their first ever VFL finals match. At the time he was described as “pound for pound” the best player North Melbourne had.
Peter STEWARD (1962-65, 67-70) 126 matches 10 goals
Excelled at both full-back and centre half-back. Stopped the best forwards in the game in his time. Victorian and All Australian player. He underwent the first knee reconstruction operation to be performed on a VFL player. Named in North’s Team of the Century.
ADMINISTRATORS
Richard SUTCLIFFE President 1875, 1877-81
One of the club’s founding members. Local hotel proprietor who hosted many early club meetings at his Turf Club Hotel. One of the driving forces behind re-forming the club as Hotham in 1877. He also moved the motion that the club change its name back to North Melbourne in 1888.
Alfred WOODHAM Secretary 1893-1899, 1903
Rendered exceptional service to North and to the VFA. Took over as secretary when the club was in danger of disbanding. Three times while Secretary he stepped in to play for the club when it was short of players on the day. The first Best & Fairest award introduced by the VFA was called the Woodham Cup from 1923-25.
John MEERE Secretary 1929-33. Treasurer 1935-47. President 1952-53
Basically the face of the club for many years. His smile was legendary. When cartoonists drew various animals or symbols to represent different clubs, Meere was often drawn to represent North before the kangaroo was adopted. He gave the club sterling service as Secretary and Treasurer, and stepped into the breach to serve as President when ill health forced Frank Trainor to step down.
Any others?
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