North Melbourne Football Club is set to appoint a first-time senior coach to succeed four-time premiership coach Alastair Clarkson, following Nathan Buckley’s decision not to proceed with an interview for the vacancy. Buckley, who previously indicated involvement in the Kangaroos’ selection process, declined to attend a late-week interview with the club’s panel, despite initially being regarded as an early favourite after meeting with football boss Todd Viney.

Dockers assistant coach Jaymie Graham has since presented to the selection panel and remains a strong contender for the role. Graham has previously been considered for senior coaching positions at other AFL clubs, narrowly missing out on opportunities with Essendon and Carlton. Alongside Graham, Hawks assistant coaches Daniel Giansiracusa and David Hale, as well as North Melbourne assistant Xavier Clarke, are also being considered for the position.

The absence of Buckley from the interview stage leaves the Kangaroos with no candidates possessing prior senior coaching experience. Buckley had maintained that, if unsuccessful in securing the North Melbourne role, he was willing to return to his assistant coaching position at Geelong, where he holds a contract for the next season. In other clubs, triple-premiership coach Chris Fagan has recently departed Brisbane following their premiership win, while Geelong coach Chris Scott has affirmed his commitment to his current team, ruling himself out of contention for Brisbane’s vacant head coaching position.

North Melbourne has suggested to several applicants a preference for appointing a coach who can develop alongside the club’s playing list over time. However, the club has not officially stated that it is exclusively seeking a first-time senior coach. The decision to appoint a new coach is expected to be finalized by the conclusion of the AFL trade period.