NORTH Melbourne coach Alastair Clarkson is confident his side is maturing and on track for success after making a flying start to 2026.
The Kangaroos broke a run of six consecutive losses against Port Adelaide to hand Josh Carr a 46-point loss in his first game as Power senior coach.
KANGAROOS v POWER Full match coverage and stats
North hadn’t beaten Port since 2019, but proved far too strong at Marvel Stadium on Sunday, running out 17.11 (113) to 9.13 (67) winners.
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20:08
Mini-Match: North Melbourne v Port Adelaide
Extended highlights of the Kangaroos and Power clash in round one of the 2026 Toyota AFL Premiership Season
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12:02
Full post-match, R1: Kangaroos
Watch Nth Melbourne’s press conference after round one’s match against Port Adelaide
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06:24
Full post-match, R1: Power
Watch Port Adelaide’s press conference after round one’s match against Nth Melbourne
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08:15
Highlights: North Melbourne v Port Adelaide
The Kangaroos and Power clash in round one of the 2026 Toyota AFL Premiership Season
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00:47
Port tall clutches ankle in 'cruel' moment
Todd Marshall comes from the field with a suspected ankle injury following this incident
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00:43
'Inspirational' Curtis dances and weaves with solo stunner
Paul Curtis slips his way through traffic and threads a super goal to impress all
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00:37
Soccering Simpkin turns striker as Roos show rolls on
Jy Simpkin reads the fall perfectly and boots a skilful finish off the ground to extend his side's lead
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00:33
'That's a roost': Comben crunches monster in huge flush
Charlie Comben winds up from downtown and launches a massive finish to delight the home crowd
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00:38
Massive Bergman bomb stuns with centre-square sizzler
Miles Bergman fires a magnificent finish from well beyond 50 with a sweet strike
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00:38
Rozee's costly slip brings tough decision as Zurhaar salutes
Connor Rozee has a moment he’d rather forget from the kick-in and Cam Zurhaar makes him pay
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00:24
Flying Curtis sticks a cracker in huge grab
Paul Curtis shows his hops and plucks a super speccy in the pack
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00:52
DBJ opens season as Marshall stands tall in new role
Darcy Byrne-Jones threads the first major after Todd Marshall sets up the attack from his move to defence
Coach Alastair Clarkson was visibly emotional at half time after a strong early showing from his team.
"You’ll need to cart me out in a casket, in terms of wanting to help this footy club and help this group of players," Clarkson said after the match.
"We’ve got a great group of young kids, we’ve got some wise old veterans that can steer us in the right way, and we’ve got a group of players now around that mid-aged bracket that have really matured into fine players for us.
"I’m with these guys all the way."
In contrast to Clarkson seeing green shoots after a long rebuild, Port coach Josh Carr was left disappointed in his first game in the top job.
"The connection going inside 50 just looked stagnant at times and looked like we lacked a bit of method," Carr said.
"We know we've got plenty of work to do."
