North Melbourne legend Wayne Carey is set to be welcomed back to the club alongside former teammates Anthony Stevens and Glenn Archer for the club’s centenary match later this season.

Carey, Stevens and Archer will all be present for the Round 17 clash against the Western Bulldogs, which takes place in prime time on Thursday night and celebrates the Roos’ centenary.

The trio will show a united front, nearly 25 years since Carey’s messy exit from the club.

It comes just six months after the club unveiled a video celebration of the centenary year that interestingly excluded Carey.

Former teammate Corey McKernan was vocal at the time, but Carey and other North Melbourne greats, including Stevens and Archer will all be present for the special night.

Channel 7’s Caroline Wilson revealed the exclusive details of Carey’s return on 7NEWS Melbourne and The Agenda Setters.

“All three men (Carey, Stevens, Archer) are well aware that they will be there together and united for the first time,” Wilson said

“There was speculation last year when North was unveiled their centenary jumper. And if you remember, there were North champions from through the eras and there was no Wayne Carey and Corey McKernan was very upset about this.

“In 2022, a year later, they had a 25-year premiership reunion for the ‘96 flag, and there was an altercation at a pub between Anthony Stevens and Wayne Carey. We know the history there.

“They had to be separated. I don’t think it was physical, but it was not nice.

“And when there was a motorcade the next day at Marvel Stadium, Anthony Stevens wasn’t there and Wayne Carey was.

“So the club has worked really hard to get all these guys within the fold. And clearly you can’t celebrate your 100th anniversary without Wayne Carey being there.”

Stream full episodes of The Agenda Setters, live or on-demand, anytime at 7plus

Luke Hodge said it will be an important night for the fans.

“Couldn’t agree more. This is just as much about the supporters who grew up watching the captain of their football team.

“He captained two premierships and for him not to be at the 100-year celebration. I think a lot of supporters would walk away upset about that, because he was such a big part of them throughout the 90s.

“He was the face of the AFL. Some have touted him as the best player that they’ve ever seen play the game.”

“All clubs have disagreements, but the club’s bigger than anyone, and that’s me, the celebration is about the players and it’s about the supporters.

“They’ve had some tough times over the years to go back and put a smile on their face, from the ‘96, from the ‘99. I think that will pass the argument. And what happened then? For the bigger part of the club.”

Wilson also said Carey has been attending training sessions at the club with his children.

“And I think it’s been a slow and steady overture. He would say he was never banned from the club, but at times, probably didn’t feel all that welcome,” Wilson added.

Players from the 1975, ‘77, ‘96 and ‘99 premiership sides will all be there, along with the AFLW premiership team from last year.

Carey was named North Melbourne’s greatest every player in 2019 despite his controversial exit from the club.

He captained the side to premierships in 1996 and 1999, won the best and fairest on four occasions, made seven All-Australian sides – four as captain – and inducted into both the North and Australian Football Hall of Fame.

Carey played 244 games for the Roos, but left in disgrace after his much-publicised affair with teammate Stevens’ wife came to light.

He spent the final two years of his AFL career at Adelaide before embarking on a successful stint in the media.