Former AFL midfielder Tom Mitchell, who played and worked closely under Alastair Clarkson, believes North Melbourne made the wrong call in sacking him.
Clarkson was informed on Tuesday that the Kangaroos were tearing up his contract for 2027, and entering the coaching search.
The news came as a shock, especially after the club began to improve their win-loss record since the four-time premiership coach took over ahead of 2023.
Mitchell, who spent five years with Clarkson at Hawthorn, thought the Kangaroos made a mistake in letting him go.
"I reckon North Melbourne have made a massive blue here," Mitchell said on social media.
"So, a few years ago, they won three games. Last year, five games. This year, nine games plus six games losing by under four goals. They were so much more competitive than they have been.
"Their trajectory is clearly on the way up. I did a podcast last week with (Finn) O'Sullivan, (George) Wardlaw and (Colby) McKercher, and the way they spoke about him, they couldn't speak highly enough of him.
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"And that was my experience as a coach. So personable. Still great innovation for the game. North Melbourne has made a blue, I think.
"And also, who do they have in the wings ready to go? You don't make this call without having plans in place."
