JAYMIE Graham is set to be unveiled as North Melbourne's new senior coach, with the Fremantle assistant poised to fly back to Victoria and take up a deal of at least three years to replace Alastair Clarkson.

The Kangaroos have completed an extensive search following the shock decision to part ways with Clarkson, despite the four-time premiership coach having one year remaining on his contract.

Graham emerged as the club's preferred candidate after impressing throughout the selection process, which was led by CEO Jen Watt, football boss Todd Viney, football director Andrew Swallow and Collingwood great Steele Sidebottom.

Long viewed as a senior coach in waiting, Graham strengthened his credentials this year after advancing deep into both Carlton's coaching search, eventually won by Josh Fraser, and Essendon's process.

The 43-year-old is set to arrive at Arden Street after a lengthy coaching apprenticeship spanning more than a decade.

Graham began coaching in 2012 and has held roles at St Kilda, West Coast and Fremantle, while also taking charge of his own team at WAFL level.

Currently overseeing the Dockers' forward line, Graham played a key role in the growth of the Grand Finalist's young tall forwards. 

North made it clear it wanted a coach with recent AFL experience from a successful environment who could take the club to their next premiership. 

When explaining Clarkson's departure, Viney and Hood said the club wanted to address shortcomings in its gameplan and were on the hunt for a new leader "who can coach for the modern game".

Graham now appears set to be handed the task of leading the next phase of North Melbourne's rebuild, with the club confident he can help convert a talented young list into a genuine finals contender.