Alastair Clarkson and North Melbourne part ways after four AFL seasons

North Melbourne has parted ways with coach Alastair Clarkson after four AFL seasons.

Clarkson, who guided Hawthorn to four premierships as a coach, has been unable to lead the Kangaroos to the finals during his time at Arden Street.

Clarkson was contracted with the club until 2027, but the Kangaroos opted to end his tenure early.

Live Moment

Look back at North Melbourne president Sonja Hood and football boss Todd Viney's press conference after Alastair Clarkson was relieved of his duties as Kangaroos coach.

What was going to happen next year?

Did the North Board refuse a contract extension prior to the 2027 season? Did the want Clarkson to coach for his future?

- Roos Member

From what Hood said, they determined that they weren't going to extend Clarkson beyond 2027, therefore believed that it would be unfair to expect him to coach next season.

I think it's the right thing to do. He has laid a foundation but it needs a new voice to get that bit more. I prefer Simmo to Horse and think he could really push this group forward.

- Nathan

Hood wasn't prepared to say they're the preferred candidate, but both of their reactions will be interesting.

The stuff about a modern coach makes me think they'll go for a highly-credentialled assistant.

Why get rid of a 4 time premiership coach with 1 more year left. Makes no sense. Maybe players should be held more accountable.

- Davo

It is interesting, Davo, that the players often seem to skirt responsibility with this kind of stuff.

I guess it's easier to remove one employee than multiple. At the end of the day, this is a players' league.

North Melbourne president Sonja Hood said the Kangaroos were in a better position now than when Clarkson took over, but the club wanted more success.

"We asked Alastair to give our club stability and strength and help return us to the top of the AFL ladder," Hood said.

"Four years later, we have created an environment where our staff and players want to be at our club. This is a testament to the culture Alastair has helped create and the belief that he has built in this group.

"Although we have clearly made progress and won more games, we won't shy away from our desire to want more from this talented group.

"We are incredibly grateful to Alastair for the work he's done over the last four years and we wish him all the very best for his next chapter."

Under Clarkson, North won 20 of their 82 AFL matches, including nine this season. Clarkson took over the Kangaroos after the club had collected back-to-back wooden spoons in 2022 and 2021, while also finishing second-last in 2020.

North have not made the finals in a decade, when the club made consecutive preliminary finals in 2014 and 2015 and an elimination final in 2016 under Brad Scott.

The 2026 season was North's best under Clarkson, and most successful since 2019, with the Kangaroos finishing 14th on the ladder with nine wins.

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