Clarkson out: Kangaroos in the market for new coach

North Melbourne have parted ways with coach Alastair Clarkson, the four-time AFL premiership mentor who had a year left on his contract.

Kangaroos players were called to an impromptu meeting on Wednesday morning, when Clarkson's departure was confirmed.

Clarkson was contracted until the end of 2027, when his initial bumper five-year deal with the struggling Kangaroos was due to end.

In August, Clarkson said he wouldn't be pushing for a contract extension this off-season and was happy to wait it out.

"All I require is a handshake and a wink and a nod, and that'll do me," Clarkson said at the time.

The former Kangaroos player arrived with much fanfare, having coached Hawthorn to four premierships in a era-defining stint from 2005 until 2021.

Clarkson's departure comes despite North's improved season in 2026, when they finished 14th and claimed nine wins.

The 58-year-old finishes at North with a 25 per cent winning record (20-1-61) from 82 games.

The Kangaroos are the third club to part ways with their senior coach this year, after Carlton sacked Michael Voss and Essendon fired Brad Scott.