NORTH Melbourne will make an historic playing return to Arden Street for the first time in 32 years during next year's pre-season competition.

The club's home for more than 125 years, Arden Street has not hosted an official match since 1985 when the Kangaroos faced Richmond in front of 7,341 fans.

The nostalgic playing return to North's playing base continues a desire from Victorian clubs to take pre-season games back to their suburban homes.

The match will be confirmed when the AFL releases the fixture for the pre-season competition, which is awaiting a new sponsor after NAB shifted its support to the inaugural AFL Women's competition.

It is unclear at this stage who the Kangaroos will play in the Arden Street match, which is expected to be well supported by North Melbourne fans.

Arden Street hosted 529 VFL matches between 1925 and 1985, with an average attendance of 13,138 and a record crowd of 35,116 in 1949 against Carlton.

The main grandstand at the inner suburban ground was demolished in 2006, with the club's administration base built in its place, and the former social club was demolished in 2009.

The rebuilt club base, which includes community facilities, has been in place since 2010, with the playing surface similar to that of Etihad Stadium.

It is unclear if the club will arrange temporary stands for the pre-season game, but catering and temporary big screens would be arranged for the event.

North's new facilities at Arden Street were opened in 2010. Picture: AFL Photos

