Back to today’s briefing

Story perspectives

North Melbourne Fires Alastair Clarkson in Acrimonious Sacking

9/9/2026

24 1 Full Breakdown

Summary

North Melbourne Dismisses

North Melbourne Football Club dismissed senior coach Alastair Clarkson in an acrimonious manner.
Caroline Wilson called the dismissal the most acrimonious football sacking in decades on 3AW.
North Melbourne’s press conference featured a president avoiding footy-talk while Todd Viney kept Clarkson in check.
Simon Goodwin was dismissed 48 hours after his team recorded an 83-point win.
Michael Voss was let go after months of consecutive losses.

Summary

Clarkson Isolated

The press conference identified a shifting gameplan and defensive frailties as core problems.
Fans reacted with anger and bewilderment to the sacking announcement, citing repeated club missteps.
Club insiders blamed endless meetings, war analogies, and refusal to delegate for the team’s decline.
The inability to delegate left head coach Alastair Clarkson isolated in decision-making.

History

Historical Context

In 2015 Carlton Football Club sacked senior coach Mick Malthouse after a season of poor results, with president Mark LoGiudice overseeing a costly termination. The move echoed earlier turmoil, such as the 2002 salary-cap scandal that cost the club a $930,000 fine and loss of draft picks. These high-profile dismissals have prompted the AFL to consider tighter governance of coaching contracts.

1 of 3

North Melbourne Dismisses

North Melbourne Football Club dismissed senior coach Alastair Clarkson in an acrimonious manner.
Caroline Wilson called the dismissal the most acrimonious football sacking in decades on 3AW.
North Melbourne’s press conference featured a president avoiding footy-talk while Todd Viney kept Clarkson in check.
Simon Goodwin was dismissed 48 hours after his team recorded an 83-point win.
Michael Voss was let go after months of consecutive losses.

1 / 3