North Melbourne coach Alastair Clarkson has revealed there's no guarantee he makes a return to coaching the Kangaroos this season, with a comeback from his spell away from the hot seat likely to be "later rather than sooner".
Clarkson last led the Roos in Round 9, with part-time assistant Brett Ratten taking on the interim role in his place as the four-time premiership coach stepped away from his duties to focus on his mental and physical health amid the ongoing Hawthorn racism saga.
The former Hawks coach has begun working for the Roos again in recent weeks but only made his return to Arden Street on Tuesday, while a coaching return might not occur prior to the end of the home and away season.
An initial return was flagged for this week's game against St Kilda, however Clarkson could now let Ratten hold the reins for the last six rounds.
Speaking toย 7 News, Clarkson said there was a possibility he doesn't coach again until 2024.
"I've been involved in the game for a long period of time and it does take its toll, and I find that out the hard way," Clarkson said.
"I've been incredibly fortunate that the club has given me the opportunity to take some time to just recalibrate my physical and mental well-being.
"It'd be a little bit disrespectful, I feel, if I just walked back into the club. I need to find out what's been going on and what the lay of the land is.
"It might be that I don't coach again this year. It's probably more likely that it will be later rather than sooner.
"Now I can repay the faith, get back on this journey and get off the canvas and back to being relevant again."
Clarkson's absence for this weekend will mean Ratten will coach against the Saints on Sunday afternoon - coming up against the club that stunning sacked him at the end of last year just months after he signed a contract extension at Moorabbin.
North Melbourne are 2-15 heading into Round 19 and are currently on a 15-game losing run. They'll face St Kilda at Marvel Stadium on Sunday at 4:40pm (AEST).
