Senior Clarkson assistant leaves after turbulent year

Experienced coach Brett Ratten is leaving North Melbourne after finishing a turbulent year.

Ratten – who was previously head coach of Carlton and St Kilda – was brought to the Kangaroos as a part-time assistant under Alastair Clarkson this year.

But when Clarkson took indefinite leave due to mental health reasons, Ratten was elevated to interim head coach and led the team for 10 games.

LIVE UPDATES: All the scores and action from the US Open day four

READ MORE: Insane crowd breaks record at women's volleyball game

READ MORE: Gould's meeting revealed after player takes leave

"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.

GEELONG, AUSTRALIA - JULY 09: Brett Ratten, North Melbourne caretaker coach looks on during the round 17 AFL match between Geelong Cats and North Melbourne Kangaroos at GMHBA Stadium, on July 09, 2023, in Geelong, Australia. (Photo by Darrian Traynor/Getty Images)

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

"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."

The Kangaroos won just three games this year, and finished second-last on the ladder only due to West Coast's inferior points differential.

Ratten all but confirmed he won't be looking for another senior coaching role in the AFL.

This year's brief tenure in charge took his career to 198 games as head coach.

Be the first to comment

Leave a Reply