At 32, Brent Harvey wasn't showing any signs of slowing down in his 16th season and committed to a new one-year deal.
Brad Scott dubbed Geelong one of the greatest teams of all time, and said their clash would be a great experience for his young team.
Lachie Hansen was in fine form in attack and Daniel Wells was back to his best, but the Roos fell short at Skilled Stadium. Jack Ziebell's second broken leg in as many years added another sour note, but Todd Goldstein had no doubt his teammate would return fitter and stronger. Scott said his side showed the football world what it was capable of despite the loss.
Some MasterChef wannabes tried their hands at a new challenge, and North moved into unfamiliar territory in a unique partnership with the Australian Boomers basketball team.
A best-on-ground performance for Werribee paved the way for Robbie Tarrant's debut against the Sydney Swans, while Drew Petrie was an important inclusion for what loomed as a must-win game. Petrie's unlucky run of injury continued and North's finals chances took another hit; as Scott labelled his team “mentally injured” after they trudged from the SCG. Brady Rawlings said the Kangaroos’ efforts weren’t good enough.
Petrie required another operation on his foot - effectively ruling him out for the season - but he was quick to defend the club's medicos.
Chairman James Brayshaw expressed his delight at the club's on and off-field direction, and there was more reason for celebration with the annual Eureka game, supported by the City of Ballarat.
Scott and the North defenders had their sights on limiting dangerous Richmond forward Jack Riewoldt, and Nathan Grima was the man to get the all-important job on his return from an ankle injury. Aaron Edwards played his first game since round nine, Andrew Swallow was named best afield and Leigh Adams said the thought of September action was behind the victory.
Sam Wright copped a heavy knock and was concussed, and Daniel Pratt sought clarity from the match review panel.
Jamie Macmillan and Ben Speight were both named to make their debut against Essendon, but it was David Hale who received the most unexpected call-up. The big man was forced to play following Daniel Wells’ late withdrawal. It prompted Scott’s call for a rule overhaul.
Again needing a win to push into the top eight, it was disappointing night for the young Roos. Edwards flew high, but the task became even tougher for North following a three-point loss.
In the VFL, Brayden Norris responded to a challenge from development coach John Lamont, while Michael Firrito and Hamish McIntosh jostled for the most Facebook fans.
The club posed a question to its supporters: 'What does North Melbourne mean to you?' and received an overwhelming amount of responses.
Rawlings recommitted to his beloved North with a one-year deal.
August
As it tried desperately to keep its finals hopes alive, North Melbourne faced a relentless Bulldogs outfit at Etihad Stadium.
Marcus White made his debut, and Scott Thompson renewed acquaintances with Barry Hall. There were no fireworks this time though, but the Roos were again beaten convincingly. Brad Scott attributed 40 minutes of poor football to his team's poor performance.
With competition hot for spots in the senior North side, Werribee upset North Ballarat in the VFL. Corey Jones continued his solid form but was forced to wait patiently for a call-up.
The boys took to a different type of training at Arden Street as swords replaced footballs in the fencing centre. The club received a funding boost of $1.9m to upgrade the Arden Street oval.
Mark Harvey was an unexpected visitor at training, but he was unable to stop North Melbourne from stunning the Dockers with one of its best performances of the season. Youngster Jamie Macmillan enjoyed a fine start to his senior career and was showered with Powerade after the game.
Brent Harvey stated his confidence in the Roos' playing finals and Ben Warren was quick to put his hand up to be part of it. Scott promised an attacking focus, but the Roos fell short against the Saints for the second time.
Knee injury ended Lindsay Thomas' season prematurely, but at the age of 32 Harvey couldn't have looked fitter as he strode out onto Subiaco for his 300th game. It was fitting that North Melbourne prevailed for the champion. Sam Wright booted three goals and received a NAB Rising Star nomination, however it was in the cinemas he was doing his work. Wright, Ben Warren and Jack Ziebell put their spare time to good use by reviewing the latest Hollywood flicks for kangaroos.com.au.
It was like a scene from a movie when Leigh Adams woke up nursing a sore head in the Yarra Valley. He'd been knocked out twice in the West Coast match and couldn't remember a thing.
Corey Jones called it a day after a terrific career and he was recalled for the Roos' final game of the year after some great form at VFL level.
The veteran enjoyed a rousing reception at final training session of the year from the North faithful, then said farewell to the fans in the greatest possible way, with a win.
September
September kicked off with the NAB Rising Star Award and many were surprised when Ryan Bastinac didn't finish higher in the order.
Three players in Brady Rawlings, Brent Harvey and Andrew Swallow were nominated for the All-Australian squad and there was further celebration as North's VFL affiliate North Ballarat won its third premiership in a row.
A host of Kangaroos' and Carlton players were on show. Leigh Harding returned from a rib injury to play, but it was Myles Sewell who starred in the win.
Chairman James Brayshaw took some time out to answer questions about North Melbourne's 2010 campaign.
Hard work and dedication came together for some aspiring footballers as the club's Indigenous and Multicultural academies took to Arden Street, while the efforts of Brent Harvey were recognised at the Brownlow Medal when he polled 13 votes.
Celebrities and politicians were on hand at the famous Grand Final Breakfast, but it was the Syd Barker Medal that attracted the most interest, selling out long before the event.
The night itself was one to remember as veterans Harvey and Brady Rawlings shared the medal. Andrew Swallow and Leigh Adams weren't far behind.
The end of the season saw Ron Joseph stand down from the Board, and an old Kangaroos' champion Arnold Briedis returned to reminisce about the 1977 Grand Final replay.
The best news of all was kept for the final day of the month with Daniel Wells brushing off speculation of a move to the Gold Coast, signing with North for another three years.
