Alastair Clarkson's boundary-line antics have come under fire by veteran journalist Caroline Wilson.
The newly-appointed North Melbourne coach was seen high-fiving his players, fist-pumping, and making animated reactions to umpire decisions during his side's victory over Fremantle on Saturday.
Speaking on Channel 9'sย Footy Classified, Wilson called Clarkson's behaviour "hubris of the worst order."
"He almost came a cropper on Saturday night with this behaviour,โ Wilson said.
"The high-fiving with everyone, then there's the arms widened at an umpiring decision and mock exasperation.
"Had they lost that game by a point or had it been a draw, he would've looked a bit foolish."
Wilson's comments sparked a debate with Bombers legend Matthew Lloyd, who threw in his support for Clarkson.
"Had they lost that game by a point or had it been a draw, he would have looked a bit foolish."
"You've whacked him here all year and now they've got two wins and you're still going!"Caro was not impressed with Clarko's antics on the boundary.#9FootyClassified | @Channel9 pic.twitter.com/zRzsWHeBFf
— Footy on Nine (@FootyonNine) March 27, 2023
"That's just supporting your players, Caro," he said.
"They were hammered by David Noble as a coach to the point where I think they lost their confidence."
"I think (Clarkson's) trying to do this the other way to try and pick his players back up again.โ
In recent years, Brisbane's Chris Fagan and Adelaide's Matthew Nicks have consistently coached their young sides from the boundary side.
Clarkson has continued this trend, giving the rebuilding Kangaroos guidance and affirmation from the ground.
Wilson came under fire for her previous comments on Clarkson, with Craig Hutchinson adding his support for the coach's gameday antics.
"That's great for the game," he replied on Footy Classified.
"You've whacked (Clarkson) here all year and now they've got two wins and you're still going!"
North Melbourne will have the chance to go three wins from three games, as they take on the bottom-of-the-table Hawks on Saturday.