Buckley Exits Coaching Race
Nathan Buckley withdraws from North Melbourne coaching race, leaving path for first-time leader.
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Before withdrawing, Buckley said he had decided a year earlier that he wanted to coach at senior level again, while also expressing respect for how North Melbourne had handled its search.
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Graham had also reached the final stages of coaching searches at Carlton and Essendon; one report said Carlton might have selected him if interim coach Josh Fraser had not impressed in the second half of the season.
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Adam Simpson and John Longmire have ruled themselves out of North’s search. Simpson is set to return to the media in 2027, while Longmire has taken a role at Essendon under new coach Mark McVeigh.
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Buckley had pursued several other senior coaching opportunities over the preceding year: Tasmania chose Ken Hinkley, while Melbourne appointed Steven King. Buckley had not been part of Carlton or Essendon’s coaching processes.
Nathan Buckley has withdrawn from North Melbourne's search for a senior coach, opening the door for a first-time head coach to take the job. Canberra Times reported that Buckley, who previously coached Collingwood to the 2018 grand final, decided the role wasn't right for him despite being scheduled to present to the club's panel.
The Kangaroos are replacing Alastair Clarkson, whose team won just 20 games in 81 matches. Jaymie Graham, a Fremantle assistant, remains a top candidate alongside Hawthorn assistants David Hale and Daniel Giansiracusa, plus North's own Xavier Clarke.Great Lakes Advocate reports Graham impressed the selection panel with his personal values and football credentials.
Buckley Pursued Senior Roles Across the League
Buckley spent the last year chasing senior coaching opportunities after stepping back from Collingwood. Dunogo Chronicle confirmed he wanted to return to coaching at the highest level. He missed out on roles at Tasmania, where Ken Hinkley got the job, and Melbourne, which appointed Steven King.
North Melbourne's process represented his best chance in recent months. Buckley said he respected how the club handled its search, even as he decided to step away from the process before his final interview.
Graham's Path Through Multiple Final Stages
Jaymie Graham has reached the final stages of coaching searches at three AFL clubs—Carlton, Essendon, and now North Melbourne. NVI reports that Graham's selection panel felt his personal values and extensive football background made him the ideal fit for the Kangaroos.
At Carlton, Graham may have been overlooked because interim coach Josh Fraser impressed in the second half of the season. Now at North, the Fremantle assistant has another chance to secure his first senior coaching job.
Other Candidates Exit or Accept Different Roles
Adam Simpson and John Longmire have ruled themselves out of North's search. Simpson is preparing to return to the media in 2027, while Longmire has taken an assistant role at Essendon under new coach Mark McVeigh. Cooatamundra Herald notes that the Kangaroos were not part of Carlton or Essendon's coaching processes either.
The departures of two established coaches leave North likely to appoint someone in their first senior role. Hale, Giansiracusa, and Clarke all bring fresh perspectives to a club searching for stability after Clarkson's exit.
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