Roos make first contact with selection of coaching prospects

North Melbourne has contacted a range of potential candidates amid their search for the club’s next senior coach.

After sacking Alastair Clarkson at the conclusion of the 2026 season, the Kangaroos have commenced the processes ahead of their crucial senior coaching hunt, with a number of top candidates formally contacted by the club in recent days.

North Melbourne announced their coaching selection panel on Tuesday, September 8th, with Jennifer Watt (club CEO), Todd Viney (GM of Football), Andrew Swallow (Club Director and former club captain), Darren Crocker (Senior AFLW Coach and premiership player), Nick Dowling (Vice President) and Steele Sidebottom (recently retired Magpie) working towards uncovering the best candidate.

SEN’s chief reporter Sam Edmund today reported that the club has made first contact with a mix of both former senior coaches and highly-regarded assistant coaches, gauging interest in the role ahead of the upcoming search.

“The club has reached out and contacted a range of candidates,” Edmund told SEN Breakfast.

“These are the preliminary phone calls. These have already been made to the senior group, or the senior candidates, if you like.

“This is your Adam Simpson’s and your John Longmire’s, your Nathan Buckley’s – possibly. I don’t know that for certain, but he is definitely a part of that senior group.

“Also, the assistant coaching group, the new wave, including Jaymie Graham, Daniel Pratt, Corey Enright, James Kelly (and) Daniel Giansiracusa.

“Simpson and Longmire are the very interesting elements for obvious reasons. Adam has been open about giving it some real thought and doing his due diligence.

“There was a thought that the club might lean towards a first timer, and in fact, some of those preliminary chats with the candidates, they said as much.

“But I’m not sure the formal criteria has been set and put forth to these guys at this stage. It might be a wide-open process; all being worked through.”

North Melbourne made this statement upon the release of their selection panel:

“The club is seeking a person with recent and relevant AFL coaching experience from successful environments who can deliver North Melbourne its next silverware in the men’s competition.

“Candidates will need a proven track record in demonstrating outstanding leadership, relationship building, communication, and education.

“Specific role information will be provided to individuals who express interest in the position and who meet the selection criteria.

“Prospective candidates are encouraged to contact Jennifer Watt or Todd Viney to register interest.”