Alastair Clarkson’s sacking by North Melbourne is expected to bring an end to one of the AFL’s most decorated coaching careers, while the Kangaroos begin the search for a successor ahead of the 2027 season.
North Melbourne ended Clarkson’s four-year tenure on Wednesday, despite the former Hawthorn coach having a year remaining on his contract. The decision followed a review involving football department staff and came after the club finished 14th in the AFL this season with nine wins.
Clarkson, who guided Hawthorn to four premierships, won 20 of his 82 matches in charge of North Melbourne. The Kangaroos failed to reach the finals during his time at Arden Street, although this year represented their strongest campaign under him.
North Melbourne begins search for new coach
North Melbourne president Sonja Hood said the decision was based on the club’s belief that Clarkson was no longer the right coach to take the developing squad forward.
“The club generally has benefited enormously from the stability that he’s brought,” Hood said. “This is a decision based on the future and our belief that he’s not the right person to take us forward.”
Football manager Todd Viney said the Kangaroos still had “gaping holes” in their game plan and needed a new voice to help them make the step towards finals football. He also said Clarkson had tried to address too many issues at once, leaving players confused and affecting the team’s cohesion.
Hood confirmed North Melbourne had not approached former premiership coaches John Longmire or Adam Simpson, both former Kangaroos players. The club is expected to begin its formal coaching process next week and is seeking a coach capable of adapting to the modern game.
Clarkson’s departure was announced after North Melbourne players were called to an emergency meeting at the club’s Arden Street headquarters. In a statement released by his manager, James Henderson, Clarkson said his time as coach had ended and that he and his family had been involved in AFL football for more than 40 years.
“It is now time for a new chapter,” Clarkson said.
Viney said the Hawthorn racism investigation, which had affected Clarkson during his time away from North Melbourne in 2023, had taken an enormous toll. Clarkson’s future in football remains uncertain, with his departure likely to end his senior coaching career unless he seeks another role.
