Legendary coach Clarkson sacked as Roos cop $1m payout
The North Melbourne Kangaroos have sacked head coach Alastair Clarkson with one year remaining on his contract, resulting in a $1 million payout. Club leadership cited a lack of internal belief in his ability to lead the team forward as the primary reason for the decision.
Why it matters
The firing of a high-profile, legendary coach highlights the high-pressure environment of professional sports management and the financial implications of contract terminations.
Sport AFL AFL ‘Scars haven’t healed’: Damning admission after Clarkson sacking Liam O'Loughlin and Simon Brunsdon Updated September 2, 2026 - 5.11am . First published at 1.39am
shares Share article North Melbourne general manager Todd Viney said he is “not sure the scars have fully healed” for Alastair Clarkson in relation to the Hawthorn racism allegations, after the Kangaroos sacked the legendary coach with a year left on his contract.
The decision to part ways with Clarkson means the Kangaroos will have to pay out his 2027 salary, which is about $1 million according to The Age.
Kangaroos coach Alastair Clarkson has been sacked. nna\sbrunsdon
Fronting media on Wednesday afternoon, club president Sonja Hood read out a pre-prepared statement, which had already been sent to members shortly before the press conference, to explain the Kangaroos’ decision.
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