North Melbourne have confirmed the departure of part-time assistant coach Brett Ratten, who joined the club for the 2023 season and would even take on the senior coaching role midway through the year.
Ratten joined incoming senior coach and close friend Alastair Clarkson at Arden Street months after departing his role as senior coach of St Kilda, with the pair bringing a wealth of experience to the young squad.
Clarkson would step aside from his duties during the season, with Ratten taking on the top coaching role on an interim basis.
Ratten would coach the Kangaroos in 10 games before Clarkson's return late into the season, with the former Carlton and St Kilda coach bringing his career games tally as a senior coach to 198 games.
Speaking via a club announcement, Ratten said he was "grateful" for the year he spent with the Kangaroos and is currently "open to new opportunities".
โWhen I accepted the role at North Melbourne, my plan was to come in and help the club in any way I could for 12 months,โ Ratten said.
โWhile the role ended up different to the one I initially took on, I've loved my time here.
โStepping in as interim coach gave me the opportunity to say goodbye to senior coaching which is something I'm grateful for.
โIn terms of what the future looks like, I'm not sure yet. I love the game and I'm certainly open to new opportunities.โ
Kangaroos football boss Todd Viney thanked Ratten for his service throughout the year, lauding the 52-year-old's assistance in stepping into the senior coaching job in the absence of Clarkson.
โRatts' vast coaching experience and football knowledge has been such an asset for us this year,โ Viney said.
โHe stepped into the interim senior coach role without hesitation, and we thank him for his tireless work in helping our club to be better.
โMore than that, he is an all-round great person. His perspective on life has meant he has had such a positive influence on our culture and our people.
โWe wish Ratts, Jo and their family all the best in whatever comes next.โ
North Melbourne finished the season with three wins and 20 losses to secure a 17th-placed finish under Clarkson and Ratten.
