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Veteran journalist Caroline Wilson has questioned whether the clean-out of key North Melbourne staffers is early “danger signs” under Alastair Clarkson.
The Kangaroos last week confirmed the departures of CEO Ben Amarfio, football boss Daniel McPherson, and assistant coaches Heath Younie and Anthony Rocca, with Todd Viney appointed as McPherson’s replacement to serve as Clarkson’s right-hand man.
However speaking on Channel 9’s Footy Classified, Wilson pondered whether North has given the four-time premiership coach too much power, particularly critical of the decision to cut ties with McPherson after just 10 months in the role.
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“The Amarfio announcement, apart from cynical eyebrows raised at the timing, was not all that surprising — his position was precarious well before Alastair Clarkson sealed his fate,” she said.
“But McPherson — why was he removed? “Even North seem a bit uncomfortable when you ask them the question, especially after he received a thumbs up in the Geoff Walsh review, where it was recommended that a new role be found for him.
“Clearly Alastair wanted his man, Todd Viney, at his side, but why was Viney suddenly appointed head of football when everyone said he was going to be head of coaching?
“Now Alastair’s having a big say in the new CEO. Is it too early to spot danger signs?”
Responding to a suggestion that Viney couldn’t be Clarkson’s boss, Hawthorn coach Sam Mitchell, who replaced Clarkson and has worked with both figures, said: “I wouldn’t underestimate Todd Viney.
“The football manager (has to be the boss in the relationship). I certainly know that Rob McCartney is my boss, he reminds me and makes sure I‘m in my box when I need to be.
“What I do know is the football manager and the head coach work absolutely hand-in-hand. If that relationship isn‘t rock-solid then it’s not a great footing to build a football club on.”
Wilson says she’s not “underestimating” Viney, but questioned the amount of change at Arden Street since Clarkson’s arrival.
“I’m just interested that Ben Amarfio, who spoke to a lot of people about Alastair Clarkson, I don’t think Alastair wanted a bar of him,” she said.
“You don‘t give anyone the keys, that’s all I’m saying.”
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