Newly-appointed North Melbourne coach Alastair Clarkson has spoken for the fist time since joining the Kangaroos, stating his return to Arden Street "just felt right".
Clarkson was confirmed as the Roos' new senior coach on Friday morning, with the former Hawthorn mentor succeeding David Noble following his departure earlier this season.
Partnered with President Sonja Hood, Clarkson fronted the media at North Melbourne's headquarters, donning a club polo and an ear-to-ear grin.
After dealing with both GWS and Essendon in what has been a well-documented saga in search for the coaching great, Clarkson nominated North Melbourne, the club where he played 93 games for between 1987-1995, 12 months after departing the Hawks.
In reflecting on his past relationship with the Roos, a time when Clarkson was battling with the grief of his brother Andrew's death, he said the club were there in support, with the 54-year-old now looking to repay them where possible.
"It's an exciting day for myself and my family, and for North Melbourne as we embark on a new chapter in our history," Clarkson said.
"I have so many wonderful memories of this place. The facilities are a little bit sharper than when I played my footy here.
"I was going through a tough time in my life with the death of my brother, and needed some direction.
"When I needed support, this club was there for me. Perhaps the shoe is on the other foot now... that was pivotal in my decision.
"It's an exciting time to be here, important things have happened off the field."
Clarkson's decision has not only buoyed North Melbourne fans for the future, but firms as an equally impactful blow for the Bombers, who has heavily emerged as contenders for his services this week.
While expressing his sympathy for Essendon coach Ben Rutten, who currently remains at the helm of the Bombers, Clarkson said the Dons' advances came "far too late".
"Change happens at every club, but as we've seen with Collingwood and Carlton, it doesn't take much to turn it around. Get the right people in, the right vision and everyone marching to the same tune, and you can pick things up pretty quickly," he added.
"There was sentiment with Essendon, and I've got enormous respect for GWS, but this just felt right. I feel comfortable here. It was a difficult position to be in, and I was aware it was becoming a circus. I don't like being the centre of attention.
"We were so far down the road with North and GWS, the Essendon process came far too late to give it serious consideration.
"It was really out of respect that I listened to what they had to say. Due diligence takes a lot longer than four days.
"It really disappoints me what's happened with Truck (Rutten) out at the Bombers. He's a good man, and a good football person. I hope that can be resurrected out at Tullamarine."
North Melbourne President Dr Sonja Hood was ecstatic at the appointment of Clarkson saying that she could hardly contain her excitement last night when the call came through.
"I felt like a kid on Christmas, I'm looking forward to getting some sleep." Hood said.
Clarkson will take over as senior coach from November 1 this year, steering the club after what is likely to be a second successive wooden spoon finish.
While the veteran coach doesn't see his new list as one that will immediately contend for a premiership, Clarkson stated the Roos' squad of young talent should be much higher than the 19th rung on the ladder.
"I don't believe for a second two victories reflects the talent in this group," he said. "Nor do I believe they should be on top.
"We'll explore draft, trade and free agency mechanisms, but by and large we'll get better with the people we have. We have to roll up our sleeves... the brain is already ticking over."
The Roos, led by caretaker coach Leigh Adams, will end their 2022 campaign at Marvel Stadium on Saturday against Gold Coast.
