Alastair Clarkson hopes he is given the chance to lead North Melbourne to their next premiership, but says he will be content to ride off into the sunset if given the dreaded tap on the shoulder. Clarkson is contracted until the end of 2027, but there are rumours bubbling he may not be afforded the chance to see out that deal. The four-time Hawthorn premiership coach made it clear he is keen to stay at the helm of North Melbourne, but said he had given “pretty much zero” thought to any contract extension talks at this stage. Clarkson led North to three wins in 2023, three in 2024 and five last year. “Those clubs ... hang in there and ride the bumps and the waves that go in this very, very chaotic game of ours,” Clarkson said.