Josh Gibson backs old coach Alastair Clarkson to lead North Melbourne

Josh Gibson has declared the man who coached him to three flags at Hawthorn would “love the challenge” of hauling his other former club, North Melbourne, back into the top eight.

Josh Gibson and Jamie Kah at the premiere of Racing Victoria’s equine welfare documentary Here for the Horses, at The Lume. Picture: Jay Town/Racing Photos

Josh Gibson has thrown his support behind his old coach, Alastair Clarkson, taking the reins at his old club, North Melbourne.

The former defender spent five seasons at the Kangaroos before being traded to Hawthorn, where he won three premierships under Clarkson.

“It would be so good to see North Melbourne back up the ladder, and I think Clarko is the man who could help them do that,” Gibson said.

“He’s a competitive little bugger, he’d love the challenge of taking the group and teaching them a style of footy that can get them back in the top eight.

“And Clarko wore that jumper – it would be a good story to get him back there.”

Josh Gibson has backed in former coach Alastair Clarkson to lead North Melbourne back up the ladder. Picture: AAP

David Noble departed as North Melbourne’s senior coach last month, bringing four-time premiership coach Clarkson into the frame to coach the club he once played for.

Gibson also praised former teammate Sam Mitchell for doing a “wonderful job” in his first season as the Hawks’ senior coach.

Since retiring from footy in 2017, Gibson has taken up Australian equestrian sport campdrafting and hosts a new documentary, Here for the Horses, exploring Racing Victoria’s equine welfare measures.

This week, he joined star jockey Jamie Kah at the doco’s premiere at The Lume.

Here for the Horses will air on Channel 7 next month – and Gibson is urging even people who don’t consider themselves racing fans to tune in, to “understand the level of care, and the measures Racing Victoria has in place to ensure the horses’ welfare”.

Since retiring from footy, Gibson has taken up a new Aussie sport: campdrafting. Picture: Michael Klein

“Since being a little tacker, I’ve always had an interest in horses,” Gibson said.

“Post-footy, I’ve really connected with them again.”

This included competing in campdrafting, which he noted was “one of the fastest growing sports in the horse sector” and involved a rider and a horse working cattle.

“You’re scored on your horsemanship, your speed and control,” he said.

“It was invented back in the day for farmers to show off their horseman skills.”

Josh Gibson, partner Ashley Bright and their son Brody. Picture: Instagram

Gibson said he was looking forward to attending the first Spring Racing Carnival in two years where crowds will be allowed back in full force.

“It’s a special time for Victoria – we love our sport, and we do it better than any other state,” he said.

The 38-year-old and partner Ashley Bright are also preparing to celebrate son Brody’s first birthday in September – and the fact they’re finally getting more sleep.

“Brody is not the greatest sleeper. (Some nights) he can give you one wake-up an hour,” he said. “But you’ve got to take the bad with the good.”

He said he loved being a dad, but he was glad he waited until he hung up the boots.

“I was very meticulous with my preparation before games, almost selfish,” he said.

“Once you have a child, it’s all about them.”