Why do they call North Melbourne shinboners?

North Melbourne is widely known as the "Shinboners" because the nickname is believed to have originated from the local abattoirs where a significant number of the club's early players worked.

The Origin Story of the Shinboners

The enduring nickname "Shinboners" for the North Melbourne Football Club dates back to its early history. It is strongly believed that this unique moniker was a direct reference to the area's abattoirs. Many of the players who represented the club in its formative years were employed in these local meatworks. The term "shinboner" would likely have been a colloquialism associated with the physical nature of working with animal carcasses, particularly dealing with bones.

A Nickname Rooted in Labor and Community

The connection between the club's identity and the local industry highlights a deep community bond. The nickname wasn't just arbitrary; it reflected the rugged, hardworking nature of both the players and the populace supporting the team.

Key aspects of this historical nickname include:

• Historical Prevalence: The club was known as the "Shinboners" for a significant portion of its early history, indicating its widespread acceptance and association with the team.
• Industrial Link: The nickname directly ties the team to the abattoir industry, a prominent part of the North Melbourne area's economy and workforce at the time.
• Player Demographics: The fact that many players themselves worked in these abattoirs reinforces the authenticity and organic development of the nickname.

Evolution of Nicknames

While "Shinboners" remained a prominent early nickname, the club did briefly adopt other names. For instance, by 1926, the club was also known as the "Blue Birds." However, this particular nickname did not persist, and the historical "Shinboners" moniker has continued to be recognized as a significant part of North Melbourne's heritage.

Here's a brief look at some of the nicknames associated with the club:

The enduring legacy of the "Shinboners" nickname speaks to its strong connection to the club's working-class roots and the industrial fabric of its community.