North Melbourne coach Alastair Clarkson is unfazed going into the final year of his contract, saying he just needs a "handshake". As Clarkson comes towards the end of his fourth season in charge, North will spend a 10th-straight year without experiencing finals action. "Old school" Clarkson won't be pushing for a contract extension beyond 2027 this off-season and is happy to wait it out. Alastair Clarkson says North should follow the Brisbane Lions, who were patient with Chris Fagan. Clarkson bristled when asked how important it would be to beat one of those teams to finish off this season.