General manager of football Todd Viney says North Melbourne is motivated to change its fortunes heading into 2023 and beyond, as it looks to end its run of low-ladder finishes.

The signing of senior coach Alastair Clarkson in August last year and the addition of players like Griffin Logue, Harry Sheezel and George Wardlaw have provided the club with a growing sense of optimism after back-to-back wooden spoons, but these factors haven't prevented Viney from recognising what else needs to be established as the club looks to move forward.

"You don’t just appoint a coach and sprinkle some fairy dust on the players and it all happens, it has got to be based on really sound decision-making," Viney told 3AW.

"The culture of the place is important. We're building the culture, what we want to stand for, how we want to behave and the values we want to execute, and we just can't take shortcuts … so we need to make sure we get the right people at the club.

"And then it's educating the gameplan. We're backing in 'Clarko', he's been there, done that and won four premierships but that doesn’t guarantee you anything.

"He's an innovator, he thinks deeply about the game, he's a continual learner so the game evolves and so does his philosophy on coaching, so we have to make sure we coach a gameplan that's going to stack up at the pointy end of the season.

"No doubt there will be some new innovations for the way we play … but I think it's all about making good decisions, (taking) no shortcuts, and having a plan in place that we have time to execute and hopefully that puts us in good stead to not be in the wilderness for too long."

As North Melbourne sets off on the road back to contending for silverware under Clarkson's guidance, Viney mentioned some of the challenges the football department is working through in pre-season training, two months out from Round 1.

"I guess the biggest thing is getting to the start of the season with a healthy list and then being fit enough to compete," Viney said.

"Obviously, we've got a new coach that has a gameplan to educate … so trying to get the boys to understand the way Clarkson wants them to play (is important).

"Getting out on the track and getting in good shape for Round 1 so we can put it (the gameplan) into place is the hardest part."