James Henry Gardiner

Born close to the famous Royal Dockyards in about 1848, Gardiner had a difficult start to his life growing up during a troubled period in European history.

[citation needed] By helping to establish a club where the local lads of the district could socialise and keep fit, he had unknowingly started something that would grow to become much bigger.

As city father he helped establish many of the landmarks around North Melbourne in his roles with the Public Works, Markets and Parks Committee.

In his position as local councillor, senior football figure and respected public servant in Melbourne, Gardiner campaigned vigorously on North's behalf.

Rising from his sick bed – at great risk to his personal health – Gardiner headed an ultimately unsuccessful delegation to the VFL to plead to have North accepted to that competition.