North Melbourne hands top job to Jaymie Graham for 2027
North Melbourne has named Jaymie Graham as its new senior coach for the 2027 AFL season.
Graham succeeds Alastair Clarkson, who was sacked earlier in 2026. The club confirmed the appointment on October 5, 2026. ABC
Club president Sonja Hood announced the decision in a club statement. Clarkson left in his fourth season in charge at Arden Street. North finished the 2026 home-and-away season in 14th place with nine wins.
Graham arrives from Fremantle, where he spent five seasons as an assistant to senior coach Justin Longmuir. The senior coach is the head coach — the person who runs selection, game plan and match day. An assistant runs a smaller piece of that puzzle, usually the forwards, midfield, defence or stoppages.
North ran a formal search to replace Clarkson. Retired Collingwood great Steele Sidebottom joined the panel to find the next coach, the league reported in September. AFL.com.au
Graham was already known to clubs looking for a coach. He was among the final contenders for the Carlton job that went to Josh Fraser. In the final days before North's call, ESPN reported Graham had emerged as the frontrunner in Melbourne's north. ESPN Nine reported on October 4 that the search had been finalised with Graham, with News.com.au following on October 5 that an unveiling was imminent.
For fans, this means a clean start with a fresh voice. North has young talent but has lived near the bottom of the ladder in recent years. Nine wins and 14th is progress. The next step is harder.
Graham will now build his coaching team and shape the list through the national draft, free agency and the trade period. Pre-season starts in weeks, not months. The work begins now.
