The stands skirting the Arden Street oval were awash with people wearing blue and white at the club’s Australia Day training session on Wednesday.

Football Operations Manager Jennie Loughnan estimated the crowd to be in around 800 to 1000.

The fans enjoyed a solid hit-out and took the opportunity to get up close and personal with the North Melbourne players.

“It was great to see them train up close,” John from Port Melbourne said.

“It’s an unbelievable turnout and great for the kids to be able to grab an autograph or photo or whatever. I’ve already had about three sausages from the barbecue and am eyeing off at least two more!”

Erika from Albert Park said it was her first time at a North training.

“I wasn’t expecting so many people to be here and I didn’t think you could just walk up to the guys and grab a signature afterwards. They were very welcoming.”

The official club mascot Barry Brooser got among the crowd and handed out plenty of gifts.

North captain Brent Harvey says it’s an important day to celebrate.

“You go to America and see how patriotic they are over there. We live in the best country in the world; we should be proud of that and celebrate it. It’s great to be able to do that with so many loyal supporters.”

Harvey was just one of the standouts during the training session with Daniel Wells and Matt Campbell also giving fans plenty to get excited about ahead of the pre-season competition which begins for the club on Sunday, February 20.