WITH no game this weekend I thought it an appropriate time to update our members on some of the things happening at the North Melbourne Football Club.

It has been over six months since the club, under the leadership of our chairman James Brayshaw, decided to reject the AFL's relocation offer and to pursue a future as a Victorian-based club.

Although we have a long way to go before our future is assured, we have made some significant headway over the past few months. In particular, the key executive appointments of Cameron Vale (chief financial officer) and Anthony Trainor (director of commercial operations) will stand our off-field team in good stead as we move forward.

Our official 2008 membership tally of 34,146 was released by the AFL yesterday (Thursday, July 3). This represents an increase of 11,780 on the 2007 figure, which is the biggest increase in membership from one year to the next by any club in the history of the competition.

While this is a remarkable achievement, the hard work has just begun. Our 2009 membership campaign starts today and if we are to ensure our future in Melbourne we need every single North Melbourne supporter committed to joining next year and for the years beyond that.      

We are delighted to have recently welcomed Blackwoods and the Pellicano Group as partners and look forward to developing fruitful long-term relationships with both companies. They join a sponsor family that includes some iconic international and local brands such as Mazda, Vodafone, ASG, Aspen Group, Astute, Reebok, Life Saving Victoria, de Bortolli and Coca-Cola. We thank them all for their support.

An integral part of our decision to remain in Melbourne will be the construction of a new facility at Arden Street. The plans will be lodged with the Melbourne City Council on July 11, 2008 and we hope to complete construction by late 2009.

We see our proposed facility as a unique opportunity to bond with the people of Victoria. Our partnership with the Australian Multicultural Foundation will form the cornerstone of what should be an innovative example of an Australian sporting club taking community engagement to a new level, particularly with the opening of the Learning and Life Centre in early 2010.

While there have been many positives to come out of the season thus far, our performances interstate have not been up to the standards demanded by Dean and his coaching staff. 

As a result we are in the thick of the battle for the remaining positions in the final eight. While we have a challenge ahead of us, our destiny is in our own hands and the football department is doing everything in its power to prepare a strong and consistent team.

Our next home game is the round 16 Friday-night blockbuster against Collingwood at the Dome (July 18). Collingwood are one of the teams we are against for a finals position so there will be plenty at stake. It is a fully ticketed game so to purchase seats call Ticketmaster on 1300 136 122 or visit ticketmaster.com.au.

We will also celebrate an integral part of the club's history on the night, as North Melbourne's 1975 and 1977 premiership players will be recognised with a lap of honour before the game and will be awarded life membership in the chairman's function.

We only have two Friday night games this year - our challenge is to make the most of them and to send a message to the football world that North Melbourne is a force to be reckoned with. 

Thanks again for your support and enjoy the rest of the season.

Go Roos,