Brad Scott’s time as North Melbourne coach will end in the near future

Frustration at North Melbourne has reached boiling point and changes are afoot. The end of Brad Scott’s tenure as coach is a matter of when and not if. Mark Robinson has the details.

HOBART, AUSTRALIA - MAY 18: The Kangaroos look dejected after they were defeated by the Swans during the round nine AFL match between the North Melbourne Kangaroos and the Sydney Swans at Blundstone Arena on May 18, 2019 in Hobart, Australia. (Photo by Robert Cianflone/Getty Images)

It’s over.

The end of Brad Scott’s tenure as coach of North Melbourne is a matter of when and not if.

Contracted for 2020 on about $800,000 a year, Scott and club chairman Ben Buckley will soon meet — if they haven’t already — to decide when and how they will announce the end of Scott’s 10-year reign at the Kangaroos.

It’s probable Scott and North will part company next week, which means Saturday’s game will be his last.

Scott’s impending departure will officially kick off a full club review.

The Kangas play against the Western Bulldogs on Saturday, Richmond next week, Gold Coast in Round 12 and GWS in Round 13 before the bye break.

Scott’s win-loss record could be 3-11 by then.

Expectations after a better-than-expected 2018 season are lying in the gutter and that has worked against the coach.

WHAT NEXT FOR SCOTT?

Regarded as having a terrific football mind and a fiercely loyal character, Scott’s name will figure prominently on lists of next AFL coaches.

Carlton, St Kilda, Fremantle and Essendon could all be looking for a new leaders next year.

Scott started coaching at 33. He is now 43.

There will be change at the end of the season if North Melbourne doesn’t start winning, writes Mark Robinson

North Melbourne fans are crying out for a win this season, writes Mark Robinson

Make no mistake, Scott won’t be at the Kangaroos next year.

The decision is understood to have been discussed and accepted by Scott and the club.

A contract payout will be agreed to.

Scott’s position is nothing short of honourable.

He has given 10 years of his life to the football club and is understanding of the club’s position and will walk away with a reduced payout.

He has always said, and proved it when he made the unpopular decision with the approval of the board to move on four legends — Brent Harvey, Drew Petrie, Mick Firrito and Nick Dal Santo — that the club always came first.

He might not be universally loved by supporters, but Scott should never be accused of not putting the best interests of the club first.

Scott has rejected several offers to join rival clubs, which underscores his total commitment to the Kangaroos.

It’s possible, but highly unlikely, that Scott and the Kangas could announce he will not coach next year and still coach out the season.

KEEP IT FRIENDLY

The preferred position is Scott and the Kangas amicably part sooner rather than later and an interim coach is appointed for the remainder of the season.

Rhyce Shaw joined the Roos at the end of last season is a contender for the caretaker’s role.

The clear mandate for whoever takes the role will be: It’s about the future.

Most players will be playing for their careers and youngsters including Curtis Taylor, Paul Ahern, Bailey Scott, Kyron Hayden, Ben McKay and Sam Durdin will be given opportunities.

Scott’s departure will be the first in a comprehensive overhaul of the entire football club.

2019 has been a tough year so far for North Melbourne and their fans

North Melbourne chairman Ben Buckley will have to make some tough calls. Picture: Nicole Garmston

A new football director is being sought and an announcement is expected shortly, but the new person might not be involved with the review, which is likely to be run independently.

As reported in the Herald Sun on April 30, there will be major changes in the football department.

NOT JUST SCOTT UNDER FIRE

Director of coaching Darren Crocker, forwards coach Leigh Tudor and midfield coach Jarred Moore are under pressure. So is head of football Cam Joyce, who was previously the list manager.

North Melbourne’s drafting in 2010-16, with limited high-end selections it must be said, was mediocre.

Buckley was appointed chairman at the end of the 2016 season and will not shy away from making the tough decisions. It’s not new to him.

As chief executive of Football Federation Australia, he let go two national coaches — Graham Arnold in his first stint and Pim Verbeek — and closed down two club licences in Gold Coast and Townsville.

Kangaroos coach Brad Scott has been at the helm for 10 years.

Before that, as a Nike executive in Japan, he was forced to make 25 per cent of the staff redundant.

He has had to live through tough personal circumstances. In early 2004 his wife, Kim, died of a cancer-related illness.

The tumult at the Kangaroos set in early this season.

After the Easter Friday loss to Essendon, Buckley called a crisis meeting.

Buckley, Scott, Joyce, captain Jack Ziebell and chief executive Carl Dilena met to discuss the 58-point thrashing.

“I’ve spoken to the leaders of the club … after the (Good Friday) game, as you would expect me to do,” Buckley told the Herald Sun.

“Our fans are frustrated, our members are frustrated, and we are frustrated.’’

The frustration has led to action.

And the announcement on the coach will be the first of many to be made at Arden St.

BRAD SCOTT’S COACHING RECORD

2010-2019: 210 games, 105 wins, 105 losses, 0 draws (50 per cent winning record)

NORTH MELBOURNE IN 2019

Played: 9, Won: 2, Lost 7, 82 per cent

Kangaroos coach Brad Scott is not expected to last the season.

SCOTT: COACHING SPECULATION FAIR GAME

- Nick Smart

Brad Scott says he can’t shed any light on his coaching future at North Melbourne.

Speaking at his weekly media conference on Friday morning, Scott said he would continue to do what was in the best interests of North Melbourne.

“I can’t shed any light on that (coaching speculation),” Scott said.

“I think speculation is fair and media have a job to do, but the only thing I’ll say about that is that my focus is on what is best for our club.

“And that hasn’t change.

“It’s certainly at the forefront of my mind at the moment that we need to do what’s best for North Melbourne.

“And what’s best for North Melbourne is the next 24 hours and the Bulldogs.

“The bigger picture is probably for another stage rather than the day before a game.”