The AFL and league boss Gillon McLachlan are reportedly keen to help North Melbourne out in a "full-scale intervention”, according to veteran AFL journalist Caroline Wilson.
The Kangaroos are currently sitting last on the ladder with just one win heading into Round 17, with coach David Noble under increasing pressure to keep his position as Geoff Walsh conducts a review of the club's football department.
Wilson, speaking on Channel 9’s Footy Classified on Monday night, reported that the league would seek to intervene into the problems at North, possibly by handing the club a priority pick.
“We know that Geoff Walsh has gone in to forensically look at the football operation … I think that will be only the beginning of change at the North Melbourne Football Club,” Wilson said.
“We all believe David Noble won’t be coaching the club — potentially by before the end of the year but certainly before next year.
“I believe the AFL is looking at a full-scale intervention into that football club. North Melbourne have become a top-order for priority for Gillon McLachlan and his team even though he has a lot of other priorities before he steps down as CEO of the AFL.
“The AFL are furious at the situation which (outgoing president) Ben Buckley has left the club in. They are furious North didn’t try and make a further foray into Tasmania under Buckley. They’re furious at the bungle coaching appointments — not just Noble — they’re not blaming Noble for this problem.
“The only person who I think they’re not critical of is the current president Sonja Hood — she’s only been in the job in six or seven months.”
Wilson continued by saying that McLachlan, who is set to leave his position as AFL CEO at the end of the year, would not push the club into a deal with Tasmania, but would oversee big changes at Arden Street.
“I am convinced McLachlan would‘ve liked a deal between Tasmania and North Melbourne. I think he now accepts that neither party is going to be wanting to do that,” Wilson said.
“I don’t believe anyone at the North Melbourne Football Club is safe, and I’m talking about the CEO, the list manager, the head of football, I’m not sure about the board,” she said.
“But I think what the AFL want to do is significantly reshape that football club, who are dragging down the competition, and at the moment, creating a bye.
“I’m told that the AFL certainly had knowledge of going in before it happened. The AFL have been involved in this from the start.
“The AFL at the time Walsh was approached were also asking around and trying to look for people who would come in and fix that football club.”
North continue their quest for an elusive second win against Collingwood on Saturday, before fixtures against Richmond, Hawthorn and Essendon to round out the month.
