Wayne Carey has been named the greatest player in North Melbourne’s 150-year history.

Carey was named No.1 at a special anniversary dinner on Saturday night.

The powerhouse centre half-forward booted 671 goals in 244 games, during a career spanning from 1989 to 2001 at Arden Street.

One of the game's all-time greats from Wagga, Carey played SANFL reserves at just 15. In 1987 he was recruited by North as a 16-year-old, and played with the club's under-19s in the back line.

Carey was promoted to the senior list prior to the 1989 season after dislocating his left shoulder in a practice match early in the year. His debut eventually came in Round 11 against Fitzroy, that same year.

A big game player, Carey captained North's 1996 and 1999 premiership sides and won the Syd Barker medal on four occasions in 1992, 1993, 1996 and 1998. He is a seven-time All-Australian from 1993 to 1996, with the captaincy from 1998-2000.

His other accolades include the AFLPA MVP, AFL Hall of Fame, North Melbourne Hall of Fame, North Melbourne Team of the Century captain and five-time club leading goal kicker.

At No.2, Keith Greig was renowned for his poise, sublime skills and aerial marking. He played 294 games in the royal blue and white stripes, predominately as a wingman before switching to half-back.

A premiership captain, dual Brownlow medallist, North Melbourne best-and-fairest winner, All-Australian, AFL and North Team of the Century member, AFL Hall of Fame member, and North Melbourne Hall of Fame member and Legend, Greig boasts one of the most incredible careers.

Named at No.3 was full-back great, David Dench.

The 275 gamer won two premierships, was a four-time Syd Barker medal winner, club captain, AFL and club Hall of Fame member - earning Legend status at Arden Street in 2009, and is a North Melbourne Team of the Century member.

Allen Aylett, Brent Harvey, Malcolm Blight, Wayne Schimmmelbusch, Les Foote, Anthony Stevens and Ross Glendinning rounded out the top 10

North's greatest players - Top 10

1 – Wayne Carey

2 – Keith Greig

3 - David Dench

4 – Allen Aylett

5 – Brent Harvey

6 – Malcolm Blight

7 – Wayne Schimmelbusch

8 – Les Foote

9 – Anthony Stevens

10 – Ross Glendinning



Selection criteria:

- Players must have played 50 games or more in the VFL/AFL era. No games limit was applied in the VFA era

- The three primary attributes for selection are on field achievements, longevity and sustained excellence



There are three selection methodologies:

- A points system. Particular achievements, accolades and awards attract a certain amount of points and weighting.

- Eyewitness accounts. Past players, administrators and coaches were consulted across as many eras as possible.

- Third-party commentary. All forms of media.



*The Top 10 was selected by a panel of experts, along with players and administrators past and present. With more than 1000 players representing North since its inception in 1869 through the VFA, VFL and AFL, it was an extraordinary challenge.

Only on-field achievements were considered with off-field work, contributions, awards or accolades deemed irrelevant. Similarly, incidents, behavioural issues and legal matters do not detract from a player’s worthiness with regard to rank and ultimate list position.