North Melbourne Football Club has officially announced the termination of Alastair Clarkson’s contract as head coach after a four-season stint in the AFL.
Clarkson, renowned for leading Hawthorn to four premiership titles, could not steer the Kangaroos into the finals during his tenure at Arden Street. Although he had a contract that extended until 2027, the organization decided to conclude his role ahead of schedule.
Club president Sonja Hood remarked that the Kangaroos have progressed since Clarkson’s arrival, yet emphasized the need for increased success. “We sought Alastair’s leadership to bring stability and strength to our club, aiming to elevate us back to the top tier of the AFL,” Hood stated.
“While we acknowledge the advancements made and the increase in our win count, we are unreserved in our aspiration for greater achievements from this talented squad.
“We deeply appreciate Alastair’s contributions over the past four years and wish him well in his future endeavors.”
During his time with North Melbourne, Clarkson led the team to 20 victories out of 82 matches, with nine wins recorded in the current season. He took over the coaching position after the club suffered back-to-back wooden spoons in 2021 and 2022, and a second-to-last finish in 2020.
The Kangaroos have not reached the finals for a decade, with their last playoff appearances occurring in 2014 and 2015, followed by an elimination final in 2016 under former coach Brad Scott.
The 2026 season marked Clarkson’s most successful campaign with North, resulting in the team’s highest finish since 2019, placing 14th on the ladder with nine wins.
