Alastair Clarkson

Caroline Wilson targets Kangaroos Coach Alastair Clarkson for gameday antics

The North Melbourne coach was as animated as ever during his side’s second win of the season.

Published by
Bryn Wakefield

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's Footy Classified, Wilson called Clarkson's behaviour "hubris of the worst order."

"He almost came a cropper on Saturday night with this behaviour,” 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.

"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.”

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.

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - AUGUST 19: Alastair Clarkson speaks to the media during a North Melbourne Kangaroos AFL Media Opportunity at Arden Street Ground on August 19, 2022 in Melbourne, Australia. Clarkson has agreed to coach the North Melbourne Football Club for the next five seasons, officially beginning on November 1, 2022. (Photo by Darrian Traynor/Getty Images)

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.

Published by
Bryn Wakefield