At just 14 years of age, Shirley Hurst (née Cahill) was witness to a then rare North Melbourne finals appearance in 1949.

66 years later, Shirley smiles, almost embarrassed when she is presented with the special photo that featured in The Sun all those years ago.

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With Shirley proudly holding her teddy, dressed in a royal blue and white striped jumper, the photo captures a love for the North Melbourne Football Club that has endured to this day.

“The photographers were going around before the game and said ‘pick up your teddy and make out you’re barracking’, and the next day it was in the paper,” she told NMFC.com.au.

“It’s a long time ago. We were just all excited to get to the football – we didn’t get into finals very much.”

In fact the 1949 semi-final against Carlton was just the club’s second ever final.

Unfortunately, North lost by 12 points, despite leading at the final change.

Nevertheless, it didn’t deter Shirley from supporting her beloved team.

“Once I put on a North Melbourne jumper, they were beautiful,” she said.

“I came from Ballarat and as soon as we came to North Melbourne to live, I said ‘this is going to be our team’.

Living in Victoria St, Shirley was in close proximity to the Arden Street Oval. She tells her children stories of sitting in the old grandstand, supporting the team with pride.

In those days, players lived close to the club, working full-time with football only a part time occupation. Les Foote, Wally Carter (coach), Ted Jarrad, Noel Alford and Pat Kelly all lived just hundreds of metres from Shirley.

Her sister Jean sold merchandise on match-day and her husband-to-be (Ian) was "North through and through" and played in the under 19’s, living a stone’s throw away in Dryburgh Street.

The connection with North was strong, and still is.

“I’ve got five kids and nine grandchildren who are all North … except two; I don’t know what went wrong with them,” Shirley said.

Shirley’s son Michael speaks of the uphill battle she has encountered in recent years.

“During the past ten years or so as she has faced many challenges and her resolve has been tested as she has had two knee reconstructions, survived a brain tumour and just recently had to deal with a severe clot in an artery,” he said.

Despite being long term members, Shirley and Ian's health has deteriorated to the stage they can no longer attend games. But the passion for the Roos hasn’t wavered.

“They now are happy watching the game on TV whilst sipping one or two glasses of champagne,” Michael added.

“At the end of every game they call me to discuss the match regardless of whether we win or lose. Mum will never hear a bad word about any player and she won’t let any of us disagree with her.

“When people ask what is the Shinboner Spirit I believe it is exemplified in my mum and couldn’t be explained any better than what she has shown over the years.”

When Michael called on the club to celebrate Shirley 80’s birthday on Wednesday, there was no hesitation.

With her family by her side, she was ushered into the Arden Street facility, then surprised by North players and staff with a cake; Drew Petrie led the way singing "Happy Birthday".

“It was such a surprise,” Shirley said.

“I think he’s (Petrie) wonderful. He gets out there and gets those goals, I’ve got my fingers crossed for him every time.”

RELATED: NMFC Archives - 1949