NORTH Melbourne will take its pre-game team entrance to new heights this season, with the club set to welcome its players with a giant helium balloon and eight-metre high banner at Etihad Stadium home games.



Since the early 1960s, clubs have hoisted individualised banners as their players run onto the ground before the opening bounce but North is set to break with that tradition from round two this season.



"It’s an idea two of our executives brought back from a recent study tour of England and the United States and we think it will be a great success," North CEO Carl Dilena told AFL.com.au.



The Roos' new team welcome will centre around a cylindrical helium balloon that will slowly rise from the ground before the players run out and reveal a banner containing a "powerful" club image.



"We will be keeping the details of that particular image under wraps until our first home game against the Lions in round two, but we're confident it's something that all our fans will relate to and enjoy when it's finally revealed,” Dilena said.

North has obtained a photo of the balloon (see below) but Dilena was tight-lipped when asked what would appear on the banner.



North will also pay homage to its Team of the Century members at home games this year, with commentary of past triumphs and highlights echoing around the stadium.

As the banner is unfurled and moved in front of the players’ race, supporters will be encouraged to sing along to a revamped club theme song recorded by You am I front man Tim Rogers.



"Tim has created a full version of the song including the missing 'Hearts to Hearts' verse, something we've never had recorded before," Dilena said.



"Tim and his team have done a fantastic job. We're sure all our fans will get right behind it."



North's new player entrance was inspired by the pre-game activities at a European Cup qualifying match played at Wembley Stadium between England and San Marino last year.