North Melbourne Chairman Ben Buckley has congratulated Malcolm Blight on being elevated to legend status and Anthony Stevens for his induction into the Australian Football Hall of Fame on Tuesday night.

Blight played 178 games for North from 1974-82, kicking 444 goals during that time. He also won the Brownlow Medal in 1978 and was a member of North’s 1975 and 1977 Premiership winning teams.

Stevens is also a two-time North Premiership player, playing a vital role in the 1996 and 1999 flags. The number 10 played 292 games for the Roos from 1989-2004 and was a two-time Syd Barker Medallist. He was also elevated to legend status in North’s own Hall of Fame in 2016.

Buckley said both men were worthy recipients of last night’s Hall of Fame recognition.

“Malcolm and Anthony are two of the finest Shinboners to have worn the royal blue and white on the football field,” Buckley said.

“We couldn’t have been more proud when we were made aware of Malcolm’s elevation to legend and Anthony’s induction in to the Australian Football Hall of Fame.

“Malcolm was a superb servant of this football club. He was a key part of the club’s first ever Premiership in 1975 and again played a pivotal role in our second flag in ’77. In 1978, his Brownlow Medal was richly deserved for a memorable season.

“There wouldn’t be many football fans who wouldn’t remember some of his heroics on Arden Street Oval, including one of the biggest kicks ever seen in the history of the game.

“His versatility certainly shone through during his time at the club, he was able to dominate across all parts of the field and was able to do things others could not.”

Meanwhile, Buckley praised Stevens’ commitment to North during his lengthy career at the club.

“When you hear the word ‘Shinboner’, Anthony Stevens is one of the first names that comes to mind,” Buckley added.

“'Stevo' gave his all on the field and was a true leader off it. He was captain of this great club from 2002-2003, and was part of our Premiership successes in 1996 and 1999, years we all fondly remember.

“He wouldn’t let injury or adversity stand in his way, famously playing the 1999 Grand Final with a fractured foot and continuing to battle on despite tearing a pec muscle early in that match.

“We couldn’t be prouder of both Anthony and Malcolm and on behalf of everyone at Arden Street we thank them for their unwavering commitment during their time at the club.”