A delicate balance between North Melbourne's past and present proved the perfect formula at the special invitation only event.
Addressing the players, coaches, staff, key stakeholders, past greats and player sponsors at Crown Casino, Stevens had some advice for those about to pull on the royal blue and white jumper for the first time.
"That's what it's all about. Its about wearing the jumper and having pride in the jumper that you're wearing and the number that you have on your back, making it yours," Stevens said.
"That's the passion you've got to have for this football club because it's a special club and it's a family club."
When Stevens came to Arden Street in the late eighties, he was under no illusions about what was expected of him as a young player.
Not upholding the culture and displaying anything less than an uncompromising attack on the ball and the man would mean little chance of ever representing the club.
"It was really led by players like Crocks (Darren Crocker) and Donald (McDonald) and past players you know, Laurie Dwyer and Wayne Schimmelbusch and past champions like that, they taught year on year after year to the younger guys what North Melbourne actually meant to them and the love that they had for the football club."
Stevens said the young group must now follow the example set by the new leaders and do everything possible to stay together in order to achieve the ultimate success.
"To the young guys here, you've got some great champions here, Brent Harvey and Drew (Petrie) and Brady (Rawlings) and guys like that at the footy club that understand the love they have for the football club and the passion of the supporters.
"But the young kids coming through, I think you'll get an understanding, if you can stick with each other over the next few years, you're going to have your highs and lows, but success will be there because North Melbourne Football Club is a club that success is born into.
"I can see, after hearing the way the draft has gone over the last few years, North Melbourne has probably been one of the best clubs to actually draft kids in, and there could be a big future there, and hopefully some premierships.
"Within two or three years, this club could turn it around and be a premiership holder, you never know."
And he paid a special tribute to Harvey who will become the club's games record holder later this year.
"He just typifies what this football club is all about you know; he stuck loyal to this football club, he's had plenty of offers probably to go to other clubs and everything, but he knows the passion that he has for this football club, to see what he's achieved, I mean he's a five-time best and fairest (winner), it's a pretty amazing effort.
"To see what they're trying to build at the moment with Brad Scott is pretty awesome to sit back and watch and I'm really excited about the next few years. I think it's an exciting time with the young kids coming through."
Speaking on stage with host and former player Leigh Colbert, Stevens had a small swipe at the club's recent detractors from outside and within.
"It disappoints me a little bit actually with some of the past footballers or past officials actually getting out in the media and downgrading what the board at the moment, and especially the President, is trying to achieve at this football club.
"Some people mightn't agree with the way things have gone but what this club is all about is sticking together and building something and the one thing I like about what I've seen over the last three or four years is that this club is trying to make itself into a bit of a boutique-type football club. I think it's pretty special what they're trying to achieve and this is a special club."
In acknowledging North's rich and successful history, Stevens also recalled a few encounters with Brad Scott during their playing days.
And as kangaroos.com.au discovered, they may be friends now, but on the football field, there was absolutely no love lost between them.
"Not so much Brad but his brother Chris tried to give it to me, but I reckon I had them both covered anyway, even if they both come at me."
As the photo below proves, Brad may have 'come at' Stevens on at least one occasion.
