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Former North great and decorated Sydney Swans coach John Longmire said it was a great move by the Kangaroos to have his old coach Denis Pagan make a pre-game address to the current players on the field before the game.

“I wasn’t able to hear it all but I got the feel of it and those of us at the back were trying to listen in saw familiar gestures and we felt it more than heard it.

“It was a great gesture by North to be able to have Denis who has such a big influence on all of us.”

North Melbourne conceded the first two goals but bounced back to lead at the first break.

Longmire, who is having a year’s respite from coaching, said it was “just the people” that defined North as a distinctive club. “I’m very grateful that I grew up at this place.”

Keith Greig, the dual Brownlow medallist, said Wayne Carey – who played in a subsequent era to Greig, was “without a doubt” the greatest North player he had seen. “The Duck, without a doubt. Had to be top three I reckon, all time.”

Greig said his premiership coach Ron Barassi, who died in 2023, was missed at the function. “He would’ve enjoyed it,” said Greig, acknowledging the famed coach of North’s first VFL/AFL flag was “super hard” on him. “Super hard but the good thing about him, he didn’t hold a grudge.”