North Melbourne president Sonja Hood will be required to step aside at the end of her term in 2028 after the club failed to implement change to the constitution.
The switch would have opened the door to re-elect the president as a director for an additional term.
The Kangaroos held their AGM on Thursday, which asked members to cast their vote on the key change.
It would have included provisions for the club president to be eligible to be re-elected as a director for one additional term.
The club required a minimum of 75 per cent in favour of the proposed changes to have them implemented, which they fell agonisingly short, with 73.5 per cent in approval.
"We're disappointed the proposed changes weren't passed," President Dr Sonja Hood AM said.
"Pleasingly, an overwhelming majority of the members who voted supported the proposed changes.
"We respect the ultimate decision, and we will take time to reflect on why we didn't get the required votes. We'll then consider our next steps on both proposals."
