Expectations were high with a new, proven coach but after a distraction-filled year, North Melbourne sunk to another bottom-two finish.
A pair of first-year players made their mark on the competition, while a Kangaroos forward took the next step in his career.
Letter Grade: D+
The Sporting News takes a look at North Melbourne’s 2023 season.
Did North Melbourne over/under achieve in 2023?
Coach Alastair Clarkson arrived in the offseason full of ambition and promise, with sights set on correcting the ship at North Melbourne.
No one would have expected a quick fix for the club, but progress has been at times hard to come by for the Kangaroos.
One more win and a higher percentage this year indicates an improvement from 2022, although a 17th-placed finish is yet another disappointing result for fans.
Overall, it was an underachieving season for the club.
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What worked?
While the departure of North Melbourne's first-ever No.1 pick Jason Horne-Francis may have hurt, the assets they got in return will be instrumental in the club's eventual turnaround.
Picks three and four, received in the trade, netted AFL Rising Star Harry Sheezel and talented midfielder George Wardlaw.
Both players appear set for long, decorated careers at Arden Street.
What went wrong?
While the Kangaroos took three wins with Clarkson at the helm, and none without, his mid-season departure will leave many wondering if the four-time premiership coach is still up for the job.
The Hawthorn racism probe left the ex-Hawk unfit for his leadership role as he spent two months away from the club.
It was hardly a dream start to the 55-year-old's North Melbourne career, but the signs are positive if Clarkson can turn his full attention to football.
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North Melbourne best player
Key forward Nick Larkey enjoyed a breakout year in his seventh AFL season, earning All-Australian honours.
With attacking partner Cam Zurhaar out for much of the season, Larkey became a vital forward-line target, and the most important player for the Kangaroos.
The 25-year-old finished the year with an impressive 71 goals — good for third place in the Coleman Medal.
Who should North Melbourne target in the AFL trade period?
With an incoming compensation pick for likely-to-depart defender Ben McKay, North Melbourne may be about to land the number one pick.
Already holding pick two, the club could package its first-round selections and send them to West Coast for pick one.
The end goal: Harley Reid. The versatile midfielder has attracted plenty of hype for his under-18s performances and reportedly has a preference to stay in Victoria.
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