Clarkson slams league's 'lottery' ahead of draft

North Melbourne Coach Alastair Clarkson has slammed the AFL's assistance packages to benefit expansion clubs ahead of their round 24 clash the Gold Coast Suns, while also calling for the league to support the struggling Roos.

Clarkson, who returned to coaching duties in round 21 after an extended break, shut down suggestions of a lottery system for the draft, meaning his side, currently in 18th, may not be rewarded the no. 1 draft pick.

"The bottom line is North Melbourne are where they are because they've been the most poorly performed team in the competition for the last four years," Clarkson said on Thursday.

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"There'd be just as many critics to say the lottery system isn't fair either."

Clarkson was quick to hit out at his side's final home and away opponent, the Suns, who have been supported by the league since their inception in 2011.

"It's just accepted that Gold Coast have got three picks in the top-10 this year and it's like 'oh well, that's OK'.

"The league put in place some some things several years ago for the Gold Coast Suns to actually equalise and give them a better opportunity, including getting Darwin as a zone and included academy access to their players."

The coach, who has only won two matches in his tenure at Arden Street, called for the league to support the side's that finish last, irrespective of which club it may be.

"The team on the bottom for the last four years isn't given any assistance at all and we're decrying this, 'should there be a lottery system'," Clarkson said.

"Bottom line is the team that finishes on the bottom of the ladder should probably get the benefit of the best young talent in the land."

The Roos are likely to finish 18th and pick up the wooden spoon, after the Eagles jumped them after their shock eight-point defeat over the Bulldogs in round 23.