OVER 200 people attended the North Football Club past players reunion last weekend as the premiership heroes from the successful 1970s teams were acknowledged.
“It was a great weekend and to see so many of those people who were part of the 1975 grand final team in Broken Hill made the planning and work all worthwhile, “Past Players president Josh Savage said.
The weekend also celebrated the 1976 and 1977 premiership teams.
For triple premiership player and 1982 Middleton medallist Greg Buss, it was great to be back at his old club.
“I left in the mid 1980s to live in Adelaide but to come home and see so many friends and familiar faces and to reminisce on what was a golden era is worth the effort,” he said.
The 20 former players and officials were presented with a medal, individual commemorative steins, and a football club cap specifically designed for them.
The coach of the three-peat, Bob Grima, spoke glowingly of his players and without prompting, named every player and their position from memory.
“We had so many great players, “he said.
One of the highlights of the reunion was the naming of the club’s top dog, an honour that has its origins in 1959; it is awarded to a person who has given outstanding service to the club.
After 36 years of continuous involvement with the club, Jason Harwood was the 2025 recipient.
“His record is amazing; he is closing in on 600 senior and reserve grade games; he has been part of several A Grade premiership and in one of those, in 2004, he was joint captain,” Mr Savage said.
A unique character in local football, Harwood stole the show with his address and impromptu vocal performance.
“His acceptance speech was one for the ages,” Mr Savage said.
Former Essendon champion and AFL Hall of Fame legend Simon Madden was guest speaker. He not only spoke for over 30 minutes, but as a former lead singer of a rock band he took to the stage and belted out a couple of classics.
“I spotted the guitar, I couldn’t help myself,” he said.
“I was set for one song, but the crowd demanded an encore, so I let rip with The Troggs and Wild Thing.”
The success of the weekend already has the past players committee planning for 2026 and thinking of how they can continue to honour former players and officials.
“We have some ideas kicking around,” Mr Savage said
“It was a real buzz; you realise the responsibility we have as a committee when you see 85-year-old Eddie Sfreddo make the journey from Adelaide.”
“He played in the 1960 and 1965 premiership sides; he spoke about his passion for the club and his hometown.”
A date for next year’s reunion will be announced in the coming weeks.
