Simpson gives rough timeline on North coaching decision

With the Roos currently searching for their next senior coach, 2018 Premiership coach Adam Simpson has spoken about where he sits as he considers putting his hand up for the vacant position.

After four seasons of service, North Melbourne decided to part ways with Alastair Clarkson, citing ‘gaping holes’ within the club’s game plan and needing a more modern coach at the helm.

A two-time premiership player with North Melbourne in 1996 and 1999, the 306-game player has a storied connection at Arden Street, seeing him placed as one of the leading contenders for the role.

When asked whether he was interested in coaching his former club, the former West Coast coach admitted he was giving it consideration.

“I don't know,” Simpson said on SEN’s Crunch Time.

“I'm working through it, I'm kicking some tyres.”

This saw Ken Hinkley ask Simpson: “Is that code for I'm doing the background work but I'm probably in, not out?”

“No, not that second bit,” he answered.

“I'm just doing the background work, cause I need to figure out where I'm at.

“I like doing this stuff (the media), am I ready for it?”

While North Melbourne has made significant strides under Clarkson, having won nine games in 2026, there are still deficiencies in their game, as the former Kangaroos captain pointed out.

“There's still holes,” Simpson explained.

“Well, from a subjective point of view, without going into too much detail, I would have thought down back there's some issues.

“(But) I don't know, I'm gonna work through it.

“I don't think it's for on air, but it's probably more about my family and where we're at.

“And then what's the club looking for ‘cos there's different coaches out there Ken, as you know.

“So, nothing really mate, to be honest, just kicking a couple of tyres."

But he did note that he needed more time before coming to a decision.

“I don't know, probably another week,” he added.

The Kangaroos have officially appointed their six-person panel to select their next coach.