North Melbourne's on-field battles continued in a year that generated two wins, handing them wooden spoon honours as a result of an 18th-place finish under the watch of exiting coach David Noble.
An early taste of success against an undermanned Eagles outfit opened their account before a losing streak of 14 games was snapped with an inspired performance opposed to Richmond.
Under the roof at Marvel the North faithful roared with a passionate rendition of their club song, which rounded their year on somewhat of a positive note, made sweeter by the return of Ben Cunnington.
With the off-season period welcoming in a proven senior head coach in Alastair Clarkson, as well as a host of recruits walking through the same doors as some new talented draftees, a sense of promise can be attached to 2023.
And with that in mind, we take a look at the five burning questions the Roos face this year.
1. Who will fly high with 'LDU' in 2023?
Among the few positives to take from North Melbourne's 2022 campaign was the brilliance of emerging midfielder Luke Davies-Uniacke.
In what was the hard-nosed onballer's fifth season at Arden Street, the 23-year-old put the rest of his side on his back to piece together dominant performance after dominant performance, however often coming in losing battles.
Wanting to see more grass shoots this season, Roos fans will be hopeful Davies-Unaicke isn't left alone as the club's go-to midfielder, with best and fairest winner Jy Simpkin playing a helping hand without much further support.
With the likes of Ben Cunnington having a full pre-season under his belt, coupled with the development of former first-round picks Will Phillips and Tom Powell, the Roos have a number of options to assist their leading men in midfield.
Looking to prove their on the right course as they eye an eventual return to premiership contention, it'll take more than one or two stars to carry the workload.
