With Alastair Clarkson departing as North Melbourne coach in a shock decision announced on Wednesday, two massive names have been immediately floated as candidates to take over – John Longmire and Adam Simpson. The Kangaroos have parted ways with Clarkson, despite the four-time AFL premiership coach having a year left on his contract.
Players were called to an impromptu meeting on Wednesday morning, when Clarkson’s departure was confirmed. “The club informed Clarkson of its position on Tuesday following a consultation period with football department staff and players at the conclusion of the AFL premiership season,” club president Sonja Hood said in a statement.
Alastair Clarkson has been sacked by North Melbourne after four years. (Photo by Darrian Traynor/AFL Photos/Getty Images)
“We asked Alastair to give our club stability and strength and help return us to the top of the AFL ladder. Four years later, we have created an environment where our staff and players want to be at our club. This is a testament to the culture Alastair has helped create and the belief that he has built in this group.
“Although we have clearly made progress and won more games, we won’t shy away from our desire to want more from this talented group. We are incredibly grateful to Alastair for the work he’s done over the last four years and we wish him all the very best for his next chapter.”
John Longmire and Adam Simpson available
Clarkson was contracted until the end of 2027 on a bumper five-year deal, and just last month he said he wouldn’t be pushing for a contract extension in the off-season and was happy to see how things panned out. “All I require is a handshake and a wink and a nod, and that’ll do me,” the 58-year-old said at the time.
Callum Twomey of AFL.com.au wrote on social media that “attention immediately turns to John Longmire and Adam Simpson as candidates.” The Age is also reporting that “external discussion of Clarkson’s position and future” had revolved around the fact that Lomgmire and Simpson are both available.
Adam Simpson and John Longmire both played for the Kangaroos. Image: North Melbourne Football Club
North legends Brent Harvey, Adam Simpson, Denis Pagan, Malcolm Blight, Corey McKernan and Greg Miller before a Kangaroos game. (Photo by James Wiltshire/AFL Photos via Getty Images)
Longmire and Simpson played together at the Kangaroos, with Longmire playing 200 games for the club between 1998 and 1999, and Simpson 306 games from 1995 to 2009. Longmire coached the Sydney Swans from 2011 to 2024, while Simpson was West Coast Eagles coach from 2014 to 2024.
They’ve both won premierships as players and coaches and are the leading candidates available to take the North job. Other big names like Nathan Buckley and James Hird are seemingly available.
Alastair Clarkson becomes third coach to depart this year
Clarkson had been North coach since 2023 after leading Hawthorn to four premierships between 2005 and 2021. His departure comes despite the Kangaroos enjoying a much-improved season in 2026 with nine wins.
He finishes his tenure at North with a 25 per cent winning record from 82 games – 20 wins, 61 losses and a draw. He becomes the third coach to part ways with his club this year after Michael Voss left Carlton and Brad Scott at Essendon.
with AAP