Alastair Clarkson signs five-year deal to coach North Melbourne

Tom Naghten

•
Alastair Clarkson signs five-year deal to coach North Melbourne image

Alastair Clarkson has signed a five-year deal to coach North Melbourne, returning to the club with which he played 93 senior games.

The in-demand 54-year-old landed on the Roos amid significant interest from Essendon, providing a massive boost to North who parted ways with David Noble earlier this year.

Clarkson hasn't coached since leaving Hawthorn last season.

North Melbourne president Dr. Sonja Hood confirmed the news on Friday morning.

"Our former number 23, Shinboner #781, and four-time premiership coach will lead our talented, young group from 2023 until at least 2027," Hood wrote to members.

"This is a real watershed moment for our club, and I am writing to share it with members first – we’ll talk to media later today, but for now, this is a moment for all of us.  

"I can’t speak highly enough of the professionalism of Alastair and his manager James Henderson over this past four weeks.

"We’ve had a crash course in getting to know each other and Alastair’s passion to drive our club back to where we belong is incredibly infectious."

Additionally, Clarkson will be joined by Todd Viney as a senior assistant coach, according to Seven's Mitch Cleary.

The four-time premiership winner was the most sought-after coach on the market, subject to approaches from North Melbourne, the Bombers, GWS and even Tasmania's bid for an AFL team.

North had looked into the box seat until Essendon made an approach in the past week as they look for alternatives to Ben Rutten.

Clarkson's decision leaves Rutten's future unclear but the prevailing thought is that his position is untenable given the club's move for the veteran coach.

Essendon president David Barham addressed the media on Friday to respond to concerns about the club's handling of the situation.

“If the best coach in the past 20 years is out there, I would be derelict in my duty to not go and talk to him,” Barham said.

“If I don’t go and see him what do you think the members would think of me.

“Yes, this has been ugly and the fallout for Ben is horrible and I apologise for that.

“But I need to do what’s best for the club.

Rutten also spoke to the media, reaffirming his commitment to the club as the situation stands.

“I’m the coach of this footy club and I made a commitment... and I’m going to continue to do that until someone tells me otherwise,” Rutten said.

 

Tom Naghten

Tom Naghten Photo

Tom Naghten is a senior editor at The Sporting News Australia where he's been part of the team since 2017. He predominantly covers boxing and MMA. In his spare time, he likes to watch Robbie Ahmat's goal against the Kangaroos at the SCG in 2000.