The club was established in 1869 by James Henry Gardiner. Their first match was played at the Royal Park which continued to be their homeground for many years. Became a senior club in 1874 and joined VFA (Victorian Foodball Association) in 1877. In the early years, money was constantly a problme to the club. The club was able to afford its first football after a local tradesman sold some roofing iron to cover its cost.
The club merged with Albert Park but it only lasted for a short period and reemerged in 1877 under the name Hotham.
The club moved to Arden St in 1882. In 1999, the club changed its name to North Melbourne Football Club again and won their first VFA premiership in 1903. In attempt to enter VFL (Victorian Football League), the club emerged with West Melbourne Football Club in 1907 but instead North was expelled by the Association but readmitted. the club had successful years by winning 7 premierships flag in total. In 1921, North attempted to enter VFL again but failed again. However they made it to the VFL in 1925.
North was not very successful as it had been in VFA. The club was then known as Shinboners. But eventually North tasted its first finals in 1925 after years of dedication but beated by Carlton in the semi finals. In 1949, North had its first minor premiership. As in 1950s and 1960s, North did not have much luck but Allen Aylett's was chosen for All Australian and won Tassie Medal in 1958. That was a few of the North's highlights during that period.
In 1974, Ron Barassi was taken up as the club's coach and he led North to its first VLF premiership in 1974, finished up in second place. The next year, North had its first VLF flag. North continued to dominate during Ron Barassi's period. In 1993, Denis Pagan was appointed as the coach and he brought the club to its first AFL premiership flag in 1996.