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How to tune into Sport NationKing: The only Roo who needs a breakout 2026
Andrew Slevison • November 26th, 2025 12:37 pm
Alastair Clarkson simply must deliver for North Melbourne in 2026.
That is the opinion of club champion David King who says the Kangaroos have to improve in Clarkson’s fourth season at the helm.
The Roos have won just 11 games (and drawn one) across the last three seasons and now is the time for them to stand up.
King was asked which North player is primed for a breakout season but instead opted to put the acid on Clarko.
“The only person who needs a breakout year at North is the coach,” King said on SEN Breakfast.
“Everyone is talking about the players, and who needs to do this and who needs to do that.
“But at the end of the day it’s a huge year for Alastair Clarkson. Fourth year in - we all know about the first year and the difficulties there, but the bottom line is four pre-seasons - you need to see a return.
“There’s got to be decisions made ongoing with footy clubs. I think the North Melbourne fans are just waiting on the coach to impact this football club.
“There’s only one game next year that is on free-to-air TV and that’s Good Friday. From a marketing point of view you’d have to question where it sits in 2026.
“And from a football point of view there hasn’t been a lot to celebrate.”
The four-time Hawthorn premiership coach is contracted with North until the end of the 2027 season.
The Roos will kick off their 2026 campaign against Port Adelaide at Marvel Stadium on March 15.
