The Great North Melbourne Flag Count: Separating Shinboner Fact from Fiction
Ah, North Melbourne. The Shinboners. A team with a history as colourful as their away guernsey (seriously, have you seen that thing?). But when it comes to premierships, also known as flags, things get a little...foggy. Fear not, loyal Roos fans (and perhaps some curious neutrals), for we're about to embark on a hilarious journey to unveil the truth behind North Melbourne's flag count.
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| How Many Flags Has North Melbourne Won |
The VFA Years: Stacking 'Em Up Like Beers at the 'G'
Before the sleek and shiny AFL came around, North Melbourne was a dominant force in the Victorian Football Association (VFA). We're talking a whopping six premierships between 1903 and 1915. That's right, they were popping champagne corks more often than a magpie at a bakery sale.
Side note: Back then, North Melbourne wasn't even called North Melbourne! They were the Hoots, which sounds more like a particularly enthusiastic owl than a premiership-winning team.
The VFL/AFL Era: A Slightly More Modest Haul (But Still Something to Crow About)
The arrival of the VFL (which later morphed into the AFL) saw North Melbourne struggle a bit. Maybe they got a touch too used to VFA glory, or perhaps they just needed some time to adjust to the flashier digs. Whatever the reason, the flags became a bit rarer. But fear not! The Shinboners still managed to snag a respectable four premierships – in 1975, 1977 (after a heart-stopping draw!), 1996 (their centenary year, no less!), and 1999.
QuickTip: Stop scrolling, read carefully here.
Fun fact: The 1996 premiership win came with a special gold-plated cup! Talk about bling.
So, How Many Flags Do the Shinboners Have Then?
Drumroll please... Adding up the VFA and VFL/AFL flags, North Melbourne boasts a grand total of 10 PREMIERSHIPS! That's nothing to scoff at, folks.
But wait, there's more! North Melbourne also has a trophy cabinet overflowing with Under 19 flags, Reserve flags, and even some pre-season accolades. Basically, they're like the participation trophy champions...but you know, with actual premierships to back it up.
QuickTip: Skim the intro, then dive deeper.
Frequently Asked Questions (North Melbourne Flag Edition)
How to celebrate a North Melbourne premiership?
Easy! Grab a Sherrin, crack open a coldie (or a spider if that's your thing), and practice your best Shinboner cheer.
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How to convince your friend that North Melbourne has a decent number of flags?
Tip: Reading on mobile? Zoom in for better comfort.
Show them this very article! But be warned, they might need a lie down after witnessing North Melbourne's glorious history.
How to explain the six VFA flags to someone who only knows the AFL?
Think of it as North Melbourne's warm-up act before the big leagues. They were basically training for AFL domination (which kind of happened, but let's not dwell on that).
QuickTip: Use the post as a quick reference later.
How to deal with the emotional rollercoaster of being a North Melbourne supporter?
Deep breaths, meditation, and a healthy dose of self-deprecating humour are all highly recommended.
How to know when North Melbourne will win their next flag?
Ah, that's the million-dollar question. My psychic abilities are a bit dodgy, but hey, there's always hope!
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