In this series, kangaroos.com.au delves into the archives for a special look at some of the most significant moments in North Melbourne history.

The Kangaroos have played four games on April 7, for three wins and just one loss.

Round 2, 1997
North Melbourne 2.2 (14), 7.8 (50), 11.12 (78), 12.14 (86)
Carlton 1.6 (12), 2.9 (21), 4.11 (35), 8.12 (60)

Goals: North Melbourne - Brett Allison 3, Glenn Archer 2
Brownlow Medal: 3 - David King (NM), 2 - Michael Sexton, 1 - Anthony Stevens (NM)

North Melbourne's premiership defence started in the worst possible way the previous week with captain Wayne Carey suffering a serious shoulder injury against Melbourne that sidelined him for the first half of the season.

However in the face of adversity, the Roos struck back using a five goal to one second quarter to coast to a 26 point win against the Blues. David King picked up three Brownlow votes on the night for his 21 disposals, while current assistant coach Brett Allison led the goal-kickers with three.

Did you know? Like Allison, team-mates Darren Crocker and Anthony Rock both went on to become North Melbourne assistant coaches. Wiry defender Dean Laidley was the senior coach for seven seasons between 2003 and 2009, while Corey McKernan and Glenn Archer had stints as specialist coaches.

Round 2, 1984
Richmond 2.4 (16), 7.7 (49), 10.15 (75), 15.17 (107)
North Melbourne 3.0 (18), 8.1 (49), 12.3 (75), 14.9 (93)

Goals: North Melbourne - Kevin Bryant 3, Phil Krakouer 3, Tony Furey 2, Jim Krakouer 2
Brownlow Medal: 3 - Neil Peart (RICH), 2 - Peter Francis (RICH), 1 - John Annear (RICH)

While the result was disappointing for North Melbourne, no less than three of its players that took to the field that day now occupy prominent AFL roles.

AFL CEO Andrew Demetriou had a serviceable outing against the Tigers picking up 18 disposals, while former St Kilda coach Grant Thomas also had 18 touches but gave away six free kicks. Meanwhile, now chief of football Donald McDonald was playing just his 28th game for the club.

Scores were tied at half-time and at the final change, but Brian Taylor booted six for the match to set the teams apart.

North lost 11 games in a row in the middle part of 1984 and only avoided the wooden spoon by percentage.

Did you know? Ruckman Gary Dempsey was in the twilight of his career and lined up for game 326. He played just three more games before retiring.

Round 1, 1979
North Melbourne 4.8 (32), 8.14 (62), 14.20 (104), 17.27 (129)
Essendon 5.3 (33), 8.9 (57), 12.10 (82), 16.13 (109)

Goals: North Melbourne - Malcolm Blight 7, Arnold Briedis 3, Stephen McCann 2, Graham Cornes 2

In the first game of a season in which he racked up 587 hit-outs at an average of over 23 per game, Gary Dempsey started slowly with just 15. Meanwhile, up forward Malcolm Blight was on fire with seven goals.

The main story to come out of the match was the Kangaroos’ stunning inaccuracy. More than 30 years later, the 27 behinds totalled by Ron Barassi’s team still sits equal second on the all-time list for most behinds by a North side.

With seven wins in a row to start the year, the Roos looked the team to beat, but they eventually stumbled at the last hurdle with a loss in the Preliminary Final against Collingwood; a side it had beaten three times throughout the year, including in a final a fortnight earlier.

Did you know? Already a champion in South Australia, 31 year-old Graham Cornes joined North in 1979 and played the first of just five VFL games on that day. He kicked ten goals in 1979 before returning home.

Round 1, 1973
North Melbourne 3.3 (21), 4.6 (30), 10.11 (71), 14.14 (98)
Hawthorn 1.3 (9), 5.7 (37), 5.13 (43), 9.16 (70)

Goals: North Melbourne - Robert Peterson 5, Doug Wade 5

The 1973 season opener was the first game after North Melbourne's amazing off season coups, having recruited the likes of Doug Wade, John Rantall and Barry Davis via the controversial ten-year rule. It was also Ron Barassi's first appearance as coach of the club.

Arguably the greatest rivalry of the 1970's started on this day, as North Melbourne made full use of its new recruits. Wade kicked five goals, as did Robert Peterson in a 28 point win.

The day would also see the debut of a player who’d become a club legend in Wayne Schimmelbusch.

Did you know? The ten-year rule lasted barely a year. North Melbourne benefited most by recruiting Wade, Rantall and Davis but soon after, 11 clubs demanded it be abolished. Two years later with their big signings, the Kangaroos tasted premiership glory for the first time.