North Melbourne have parted ways with coach Alastair Clarkson in a stunning move.

Channel Seven’s Mitch Cleary, Xander McGuire and Tom Morris have reported the four-time premiership-winning mentor, who was appointed to head up the Kangaroos in 2022, has departed the club after four seasons in charge.

Morris has reported Clarkson “was sacked, rather than a resignation”.

Clarkson, who was at the helm of Hawthorn sides which won flags in 2008, 2013, 2014 and 2015, won only 20 games across his four seasons with North Melbourne.

But the 2026 campaign was his best in charge of the Kangaroos, who finished in 14th and outside of the bottom four for the first time in his tenure by winning nine games.

In a statement, club president Sonja Hood confirmed the decision had been made “following a consultation period with football department staff and players at the conclusion of the AFL premiership season.”

“We asked Alastair to give our club stability and strength and help return us to the top of the AFL ladder,” Hood said.

“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.”

North Melbourne were in the mix for a place in the wildcard round in the middle stages of their campaign, but won only one of their final eight games.

Throughout this year, there were persistent rumblings Clarkson was seeking an extension to his contract in order to ensure he would not enter next season with only a solitary year remaining on his deal.

But they were flat-batted by Hood, who told 3AW in July any discussions over their coach’s future would not take place until at least the end of the season.

West Coast premiership-winning coach Adam Simpson may figure among the contenders to take on the coaching job for the club he played 306 games for over a 15-year career.

Since departing the Eagles in 2024, Simpson has taken on roles in the media and served as a consultant at Carlton, being part of the selection panel which appointed caretaker Josh Fraser to their job last month.

Simpson’s former teammate John Longmire, who coached Sydney into five grand finals before transitioning into an executive role two years ago, may figure as another strong candidate.