NORTH Melbourne assistant Xavier Clarke is in the process for the vacancy at Arden Street. 

The Kangaroos have progressed from informal catch-ups to formal presentations as they search for the coach to replace Alastair Clarkson. 

Clarke joined North Melbourne at the end of 2023 after going through the process at Richmond job to replace Damien Hardwick. 

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The 43-year-old is understood to be presenting to the Kangaroos’ coach selection panel this week, which includes CEO Jen Watt, GM Todd Viney, football director Andrew Swallow and Collingwood champion Steele Sidebottom. 

Clarke is highly regarded inside North Melbourne, especially after his work across a challenging period that led to the departure of four-time premiership coach Clarkson at the start of September.

The Northern Territorian has more than a decade of coaching experience under his belt and is currently completing the level four coaching course at the AFL, which is led by the League's coaching engagement manager Dan Richardson. 

Clarke is one of the leading First Nations figures in football and has been working towards becoming an AFL senior coach for some time. 

Xavier Clarke and Alastair Clarkson at North Melbourne training in November 2023. Picture: AFL Photos

Former Collingwood coach Nathan Buckley confirmed he was in the process on Grand Final day after meeting with Viney last month.

Hawthorn pair Daniel Giansiracusa (head of development) and David Hale (strategy and opposition) are also understood to be in the process. 

Fremantle forwards coach Jaymie Graham is the other contender and set to present this week after running close in both the Essendon and Carlton processes this year.