North Melbourne begins search for a new head coach
AFL • 1 min read • Latest: Sep 8, 2026, 5:05 AM
Last updated Sep 8, 2026

North Melbourne is set to form a sub-committee to select its next head coach following the firing of Alastair Clarkson. Club leadership, including Sonja Hood and Todd Viney, cited Clarkson’s inability to adjust his management style and inconsistent messaging to players as primary reasons for his departure. Clarkson, who finished his tenure with a 20-71 record, expressed disagreement with the decision. The club intends to include CEO Jen Watt, Darren Crocker, and Andrew Swallow on the selection panel, potentially supported by an external consultant. Decision-makers are reportedly interested in appointing an untried coach for the role. This recruitment effort marks the first formal coaching search for the club since 2009, following a period where appointments were made through direct recommendations or captain's calls.
- •North Melbourne will establish a selection panel including Todd Viney, Jen Watt, and Darren Crocker.
- •Decision-makers are currently favoring candidates who have not previously served as an AFL head coach.
- •The club previously used a captain's call to appoint Alastair Clarkson in 2022.
- •Alastair Clarkson held a 20-71 win-loss record during his time as head coach.
- •Former coach Alastair Clarkson publicly stated he felt blindsided by the club's decision.
- 5:05 AMAFL — BARRETT: North was right to sack Clarko. The questions shouldn't stop there
"Alastair Clarkson's departure won't fix all the issues at North Melbourne, writes Damian Barrett
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