AFL premiership mastermind Alastair Clarkson would not count on to work miracles on his return to the North Melbourne sizzling seat.
The Kangaroos sit second from backside on a 17-match dropping streak – their equal-worst run of consecutive defeats since 1935.
And they’re at lengthy odds to interrupt the drought with an upset of high-flying Melbourne in Hobart on Sunday.
But Clarkson, who takes the reins again from Brett Ratten for the primary time since spherical 9, is taking part in the lengthy recreation with North Melbourne’s rebuild.
“We know we’re still nowhere near good enough to compete with the really strong clubs in the competition (but) that will come with time,” Clarkson mentioned.
“We’re seeing some progress being made, it’s just to the wider football community that’s not being seen just at the present time.”
Clarkson pointed to the Kangaroos’ stronger defensive showings in opposition to West Coast and St Kilda over the previous fortnight as small indicators of enchancment heading into the ultimate month of the home-and-away season.
“I’m looking at process stuff, not necessarily wins and losses,” Clarkson mentioned.
“If you get the process right, eventually the wins and losses will sort themselves out. Hopefully more wins than losses.”
Clarkson, a four-time flag-winning coach at Hawthorn earlier than his messy exit in 2021, led North Melbourne to wins in his first two video games in cost this season.
But the marketing campaign rapidly unravelled and the 55-year-old took indefinite depart in May, citing the toll of the Hawks racism saga.
He has returned reinvigorated virtually three months later and can coach his four-hundredth AFL recreation when the Kangaroos tackle Melbourne.
“I’ve been so fortunate to be involved in this great game of ours for a long period of time,” Clarkson mentioned.
“Over that journey you have your ups and downs, but what this game has given me and my family … has been pretty special.”
Retiring veteran Jack Ziebell has been named in North’s beginning 22 for the Blundstone Arena contest, changing Lachie Young, whereas Clarkson mentioned veteran midfielder Ben Cunnington will journey to Hobart as an emergency after robust VFL type.
The 32-year-old hasn’t featured at AFL degree since spherical eight and was one of many Kangaroos’ greatest on a tricky night time once they final confronted Melbourne, happening by 90 factors in spherical seven.
“He’s amongst the mix and we wouldn’t take him if we didn’t think he was close to being able to play again for us,” Clarkson mentioned.
Melbourne have known as Joel Smith into their beginning line-up rather than Adam Tomlinson, whereas Tom Sparrow returns on the expense of Taj Woewodin.
Source: www.perthnow.com.au
