After spending two months on the sidelines, Alastair Clarkson has announced he will return to coaching.
The North Melbourne senior coach stepped away from coaching in the week following round nine to concentrate on his mental and physical health.
Clarkson began integrating back into work at the club earlier this month and over time has progressed to working with all areas of the football department.
In a statement, North Melbourne CEO Jennifer Watt said Clarkson is ready to return to senior coaching.
“We’re so pleased that Alastair can return to the role of senior coach. The time away was critical for Alastair to address his physical and mental health and it’s obvious to everyone that he’s hungry and ready to resume his place as our senior coach,” she said.
“We have been very purposeful with Alastair’s return and integration back into the program to ensure a seamless transition for our playing group and to provide Alastair with the time to reacquaint himself with both the game and the program.”
Since returning to work, Clarkson has been involved in list management and recruiting, coaching and football strategy, studying game trends and opposition analysis.
Clarkson will remain in Melbourne while the club travels to Perth this week but will assume all senior coaching duties immediately after the match against West Coast.
While away from the club, Brett Ratten stepped in as senior coach. Watt thanked him and his assistants for stepping up.
“Alastair, and indeed the whole club, has been incredibly grateful to Brett Ratten and the entire coaching group, for stepping up in his absence.
“I’d like to reiterate the club’s thanks to Brett, Todd Viney, and all the players and staff at the club for the hard work they’ve done while Alastair has been away.”
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