Alastair Clarkson will return to full-time senior coaching duties ahead of our match against Melbourne in Round 21. 

Clarkson began to integrate back into work at the club earlier this month, and over that time has progressed to working with all areas of our football department. 

Next Monday Clarkson will shadow the entire program, including interim senior coach Brett Ratten and his assistants, in the lead up to the Round 20 match against West Coast.

He will remain in Melbourne while the club travels to Perth, but he will assume all senior coaching responsibilities immediately after the match against the Eagles.

Clarkson stepped away from coaching in the week following Round 9 to concentrate on his mental and physical wellbeing. 

Since his return, Clarkson has been involved in list management and recruiting along with coaching and football strategy, comprising game trends and opposition analysis. He will continue with that this week.

North Melbourne CEO Jennifer Watt said Clarkson is ready to return to senior coaching. 

"We're so pleased that Alastair can return to the role of senior coach. The time away was critical for Alastair to address his physical and mental health and it’s obvious to everyone that he's hungry and ready to resume his place as our senior coach," Watt said.  

"Alastair, and indeed the whole club, has been incredibly grateful to Brett Ratten and the entire coaching group, for stepping up in his absence. 

"We have been very purposeful with Alastair's return and integration back into the program to ensure a seamless transition for our playing group and to provide Alastair with the time to reacquaint himself with both the game and the program. 

"I'd like to reiterate the club’s thanks to Brett, Todd Viney, and all the players and staff at the club for the hard work they’ve done while Alastair has been away.

"Our members and supporters also deserve great credit for the way they have stuck by the club over what has been a really trying period."