Senior coach Alastair Clarkson has used one of North Melbourne's premiership cups to help stimulate his side and inform them that he's in a rush to add a fifth to the club's trophy cabinet.

2020 Syd Barker Medallist and current co-vice-captain Luke McDonald says that by 'Clarko' bringing in the silverware, it has made him more determined to reach that type of success before time runs out.

"By bringing that in (the premiership cup) … that's what it's all about," McDonald told Channel 10.

"I'm 27 now and having 'Clarko' come in … he's in a hurry and wants to win, and that's what I want to do, that's what everyone wants to do."

Despite being one of, if the not the greatest coach of the modern era, McDonald says that Clarkson's approach to the game isn't as convoluted as some may believe.

"It's (Clarkson's style) is very simple, it's all about everyone playing together," the defender said.

"It's about playing as a team, it's pretty clear that he's not about individual success, he's about winning it all and that's what it's all about."

Clarkson, McDonald and the rest of the team are nearing the end of their first week back at Arden Street in the new year, with just over two months left until their Round 1 bout with the West Coast Eagles at Marvel Stadium on Saturday, March 18.