Shinboner number: 121
Guernsey numbers: 2, 32
Born: April 30, 1934
Died: September 26, 2021
North Melbourne games: 107 (1954-62)
Goals: 25
Captain: 1960
President: 1980
North Melbourne Hall of Fame inductee: 2009

Albert Mantello played 107 games with North Melbourne, between 1954 and 1962, working his way up through the club’s fourth and third grades in the early 1950s before cementing a place in the senior side for the best part of nine seasons. 

But it was as an administrator after his playing days ended that Mantello would make his finest contribution to the Kangaroos.

As a player, Mantello was versatile, playing in most positions on the field. He was described as “a real team man who could send long drop kicks downfield”, an “enforcer when necessary,” and who had “plenty of pace for a big man.” Mantello could hold down the key position of centre half-forward, act as the general in the centre or apply attacking drive from half-back.

After the club’s first golden era (1949–1950), which culminated in North’s first Grand Final (a 38-point loss to Essendon in 1950), the 1950s and 1960s were another barren period. Mantello played just two finals (a victorious four-point 1958 semi-final against Fitzroy, and a 20-point loss in the preliminary final two weeks later against eventual premier, Collingwood). Conversely, in two of his nine seasons at North (1956 and 1961), the club ‘won’ the wooden spoon.

Knee injuries ended Mantello’s career prematurely; his last game (a six-point loss to South Melbourne, in Round 1 1962) came seven days before his 28th birthday. He had represented a Victorian ‘B’ team (1959) and also captained North (1960). According to long-time Kangaroos administrator, Ron Joseph, Mantello “loved North because of his time as a player.”

Alongside Joseph, his former captain Allen Aylett, and teammate Barry Cheatley, Mantello built the club into a football force during the 1970s — Aylett as president, Mantello vice-president, Joseph secretary and Cheatley as the League’s first paid marketing manager.

All four men would change not only North Melbourne’s fortunes, but also alter the way the VFL (now AFL) operated—introducing innovations such as the Grand Final Breakfast. Importantly through their canny recruiting with the short-lived 10-year rule they showed the benefits of free agency, although it would take the League another 40 years to agree to another version.

Mantello’s determination was a key factor in convincing Carlton's dual premiership-winning coach Ron Barassi to come to Arden Street — a decision that would change the club’s fortunes forever.

Mantello had discussed the idea of a coaching return with Barassi after buying a desk from his furniture store.

At the time, Barassi had no intention of coaching, but as Mantello made his case he was quickly swayed.

Below is the napkin on which the details of Barassi’s contract were jotted.