One of the game's most renowned powerbrokers, Ron Joseph, has passed away at the age of 77 due to lung cancer.
A staple of North Melbourne, Joseph was a highly influential figure, starting his time as an assistant secretary in 1964 before taking over as lead secretary.
It wasn't until the 1970s that he had a major influence on the club's fortunes alongside Dr Allen Aylett and Albert Mantello by bringing across the legendary Ron Barrassi in 1973, ultimately leading to two Premierships in 1975 and 1977.
During that period, Joseph was the main architect in acquiring the signatures of Brownlow Medallist Keith Greig, Barry Cable, Doug Wade, Malcolm Blight, Wayne Schimmelbusch, David Dench, John Randall, Jim and Phil Krakouer.
Joseph held the general manager position from 1977 to 1986, until the signing of Hawthorn legend John Kennedy Sr.
He would continue to wield his administrative experience guiding the financially struggling Sydney Swans by bringing across all-time leading goalkicker Tony Lockett in 1995, thus changing the club's fortunes.
He also served on the Kangaroos' board under Chairman James Brayshaw from 2007 to 2010, playing a role in the prevention of the Shinboners relocating to the Gold Coast.
North Melbourne President Dr Sonja Hood paid tribute to one of the League's administrative greats.
"Ron was the architect of our success in the 1970s, one of the great defenders of our club in 2007 and unflinching in his love for North, holding successive boards and administrators to account, from within or outside of the organisation, always with a view to make the club better," she said.
"On a personal note, I was lucky to work with him in 2007 and grateful for the time and advice he has provided in the years since. He was one of a kind and will be sorely missed."
