'The architect of our success': North Melbourne great Ron Joseph dead aged 77
Legendary North Melbourne power broker Ron Joseph has died aged 77.
Joseph lost his battle with lung cancer on Tuesday night, the AFL and North Melbourne confirmed on Wednesday.
Joseph started at Arden Street as assistant club secretary in 1964 at just 18 years of age.
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Then-Kangaroos board member Ron Joseph. The Age
He was quickly promoted to the senior role of secretary, overseeing the day-to-day operations of the club.
Joseph's position later became that of general manager in 1977, which he held until he departed the club in 1986.
An influential figure behind the scenes, Joseph was renowned for his role in attracting Ron Barassi to North Melbourne in 1973.
Joseph, then-president Allen Aylett and vice-president Albert Mantello famously signed Barassi as coach over lunch - his signature given on a napkin at the Old Melbourne Inn.
Alongside a recruitment ploy that delivered a host of new stars for North Melbourne, the changes paid dividends with the Roos claiming premiership glory in 1975 and 1977.
Joseph then took up the challenge at the languishing Sydney Swans in the 1990s. Alongside Barassi again, he was instrumental in getting Tony Lockett to the Swans.
Adding to Joseph's illustrious career in football administration, he then became a powerful player agent, managing the likes of Glenn Archer, Anthony Stevens, Shannon Grant, Leigh Colbert and Wayne Schwass.
In the late 2000s, while sitting on North's board, Joseph played a crucial role in the club's bid to keep the Kangaroos in Melbourne despite a push from the AFL to relocate the franchise to the Gold Coast.
Joseph was a life member of North Melbourne and the AFL, and an inaugural club Hall of Fame inductee.
President Dr Sonja Hood said Joseph's efforts as recruiter and administrator would forever be as ingrained in the club's history.
Glen Archer and Ron Joseph at the Kangaroos information night at Dallas Brooks Hall where it was announced that North Melbourne would not move to the Gold Coast . ohn Donegan for Age Sport
"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 administrations 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."
