North Melbourne bombshell as coach quits immediately

North Melbourne has announced surprise news with a senior coach walking out immediately days after the end of their 2023 season.

Alastair Clarkson and Brett Ratten. Photo by Steve Bell/Getty Images.

North Melbourne has announced senior assistant coach Brett Ratten has left the club.

The Kangaroos confirmed the news in a media release on Friday morning.

Ratten coached 10 games during the 2023 season while Alastair Clarkson took indefinite leave from his job as a result of private health concerns.

“When 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,” Ratten said.

“While the role ended up different to the one I initially took on, I’ve loved my time here.

Watch every match of The 2023 Toyota AFL Finals Series before the Grand Final Live & Ad-Break Free During Play on Kayo Sports. Join now and start streaming instantly >

Alastair Clarkson and Brett Ratten. Photo by Steve Bell/Getty Images.

“Stepping in as interim coach gave me the opportunity to say goodbye to senior coaching which is something I’m grateful for.

“In terms of what the future looks like, I’m not sure yet. I love the game and I’m certainly open to new opportunities.”

Ratten said earlier this year he did not have any interest in coaching the club in the long-term and put his support behind Clarkson to be the coach that guides the football club into the future.

The veteran coach first moved to North Melbourne after his shock termination as coach of St Kilda at the end of the 2022 season.

While he was hired to serve as a part-time assistant coaching role, Ratten was given the top job from Round 10 when Clarkson stepped away.

Brett Ratten faces the press. Photo by Darrian Traynor/Getty Images.

Ratten said in June he viewed his caretaker position as his final crack in a senior coaching role — having been sacked by the Saints and Carlton.

He described his sacking at St Kilda as being “cut off at the knees” as the club made the cold-blooded decision to replace him with Ross Lyon.

North Melbourne’s general manager of football Todd Viney said the club wishes Ratten all the best.

“Ratts’ vast coaching experience and football knowledge has been such an asset for us this year,” Viney said.

“He stepped into the interim senior coach role without hesitation, and we thank him for his tireless work in helping our club to be better.

“More 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.

“We wish Ratts, Jo and their family all the best in whatever comes next.”

North Melbourne heads into the 2023 AFL trade period as on of the biggest players, despite giving up the No. 1 draft pick with a win over Gold Coast in the final round of the season.