NORTH Melbourne great Glenn Archer has urged Kangaroos supporters to rise above past fears of relocation and embrace the club's move to play four games a season in Hobart from 2019.
North announced on Tuesday it would increase its annual commitment in Hobart from three to four games, with the AFL agreeing to restructure the fixture accordingly over at least the next three seasons.
Archer, who is a North board member, labelled the new deal a "big win" for the Roos, saying their 14-4 record at Blundstone Stadium underlined a significant 'home ground' advantage that few other Victorian clubs enjoyed.
The Shinboner of the Century also stressed North fans need not fear that the Roos' increased presence in Tasmania was a precursor to relocation, saying the club had firmly entrenched itself in Melbourne since rejecting an AFL-led push in 2007 to relocate to the Gold Coast.
"We're not going anywhere. North people that know me well would know that I wouldn't be on a board that was heading in that direction or even considering it," Archer said.
"I think it's time to stop living in the past and for our people to have a look at what this club and board has achieved over the past 10 years. We're not looking backwards and since 2007, when we declared North Melbourne as our home for the future, we've been full-steam ahead with cementing ourselves here at Arden Street and exploring all opportunities to grow our club – and that's what we've done.
"We are in the best position we've ever been and that hasn't just happened organically, it's happened because of a strategic approach which includes having a secondary supporter base in Hobart.
"Hawthorn plays four games in Launceston and it's a model that works for them, and it will work for us too.
"So people need to realise that growth and on-field success mean more stability and opportunity. That's what this deal is all about and I think it's a real positive for North."
Meanwhile, Archer hailed North's 2018 Trade Period a success and stressed the club would continue to target big fish at rival clubs despite falling short in its bid for West Coast free agent Andrew Gaff.
"I think the list management team has done a fantastic job bringing in some genuine, potent AFL players. Once Andrew told us he was staying in Perth, there was no hesitation in moving on to Plan B and I'm sure all North fans would agree that we're looking at having a pretty exciting year and future," Archer said.
"We've been able to add some more midfield depth, but also some run and flair with the likes of (Jared) Polec and (Aaron) Hall coming on board. These two together with our exiting midfield unit and (Dom) Tyson from Melbourne make for some pretty exciting times ahead," he said.
"There's absolutely no shame at all in having a red-hot crack at players from other clubs, and that's what we've done and will continue to do.
"I can't speak for what's likely to happen next year and all those options will be weighed up in time, but if there is a target to go after we will go hard and won't die wondering."
