Alistair Clarkson set to return to North Melbourne dugout

It has broadly been a season to forget for North Melbourne. Currently languishing in 17th place, it seems a very long time ago that they won their first two games of the season.

Many betting sites tipped North Melbourne to have a decent campaign at the start of the year but they have imploded significantly.

The speculation surrounding head coach Alistair Clarkson has been at the centre of this, but the perennial winner looks set to return to his coaching duties very soon. 

More Misery for North Melbourne:

The appointment of Alistair Clarkson at the start of the 2023 AFL season looked to be a master stroke.

Back-to-back wooden spoons had the Kangaroos searching for answers and they looked to have found them in Clarkson.

A legend of the club on the field of play, Clarkson had won all there is to win in the game as a coach at Hawthorn and looked set to transform fortunes.

Many betting apps were stunned after two wins from North Melbourne’s opening two games, but things spiraled downhill quickly.

Clarkson’s Investigation Nightmare

Back on May 18th, Clarkson stood down from his role as North Melbourne head coach, with an investigation into alleged racism from his time at Hawthorn ongoing.

Subsequently, Clarkson and his former assistant Chris Fagan have been cleared of any wrongdoing by the AFL.

The mental toll the investigation has taken on Clarkson was visible prior to his departure from the club and he is said to be keen to return to day-to-day duties.

Could Clarkson turn things around at North Melbourne this term?

It seems like a lifetime ago, but the Kangaroos started the season in fine fettle, beating West Coast and Fremantle in their first two games.

The well-documented unravelling since has been humiliating for the club but Clarkson looks set to return, with a point to prove.

They have run the likes of Essendon and Sydney close in recent weeks and having the inspirational Clarkson in the dugout could be the catalyst for a strong end to the season.

North Melbourne are $8.5 with WinnersBet to finish in the Top 10 this season, whilst they are a longer $26 with PlayUp to completely transform things and make the Top 8.

Alistair Clarkson is one of the most recognisable figures in AFL history and he will be eager to have a positive impact at his beloved North Melbourne in 2023.