Brisbane endured a nightmare off-season with more ownership issues and staff unrest, leading to the threat of fans not renewing their memberships under the Bakries Group.

Roar Memberships are currently at 4,596, well down from the club’s figure of more than 12,000 two seasons ago, but only down approximately 800 on last year’s final number.

The Brisbane public turned out in numbers for Friday’s 1-1 draw with Melbourne Victory, with an official attendance of 15,805 witnessing Luke DeVere equalise deep into stoppage time.

Despite last season’s off-field issues, the club still averaged crowds of 12,850 and that shows no signs of decreasing on round one’s evidence.

“It was great to see all our fans back out again,” North said.

“Hopefully we showed what we can do. As we always do, we come back at the death, right to the end we never give up.

“That was for the fans and for everyone at the club.

“We work hard, we’ve got a good culture here, so we never say die.”

North also hailed the impact of the returning DeVere after a long-term injury absence.

DeVere marked his first competitive appearance in 18 months with the equaliser and a rock solid 90-minute performance at the back.

It’s a sign that the 26-year-old Socceroo is already not far from his best after quad and knee injuries kept him on the sidelines.

“It’s his first game and it’s like he played yesterday,” North said.

“He’s that good a talent and a centre back. It’s great to have him back and I’m glad he’s on my side that’s for sure.”

DeVere didn’t train with the main group on Monday, as he recovers from his first competitive hit-out in 18 months.

“We’ll have to put him in the freezer for the week,” North joked.

“All the boys are so happy for Luke. He was outstanding on the weekend as usual.

“He’s just on the bike today, there’s a little bit of stiffness throughout the team and hopefully he’ll be right to go (away to Newcastle Jets on Sunday).”

Captain Matt McKay will be suspended for the Newcastle trip following his red card against Victory and North said he would be missed.

North, who is likely to skipper Roar in McKay’s absence, backed Jacob Pepper to come into the starting XI for the suspended Socceroos midfielder.