Clarko calling: Kangaroos‘ recruitment drive of ex-Hawks continues with another coach

Gibson, 38, has reunited with Alastair Clarkson, with whom he combined for Hawthorn’s three-peat of flags between 2013 and 2015.

The All-Australian and dual Hawks best and fairest winner will work with North’s defenders in a part-time specialist coaching role, assisting line coach John Blakey.

It is a homecoming of sorts for a man once regarded as one of the best defenders in the AFL, who left the Kangaroos for Hawthorn at the end of 2009 after 65 games in the blue and white.

Gibson joins a stacked North coaching team working beneath Clarkson. Alongside line coaches Blakey, Jordan Russell and Leigh Adams, the Roos also have former St Kilda and Carlton coach Brett Ratten, VFL/AFL games record-holder and club great Brent Harvey, Damian Monkhorst, Gavin Brown, Tom Lynch and AFLW captain Emma Kearney on the books.

Gibson is also the latest Clarkson-era Hawk to land at the Roos, with Monkhorst, Ratten, head of football Todd Viney and players Liam Shiels and Daniel Howe all picked up in recent months since Clarkson’s signing.

North has meanwhile announced an 11th straight profit, with an operating profit before redevelopment funding and amortisation of $685,132.

“The latest positive result is the club’s 11th consecutive operating profit. This is a fantastic result and testament to the unwavering support of our members and commercial partners,” North Melbourne acting chief executive officer Chris Simmonds said.

“In 2022, the club has continued to build its off-field strength, achieved a positive financial result and further embedded itself in its Arden Street home.

“Among the notable off-field achievements, the club re-signed Mazda and Spirit of Tasmania, completed the $8m Stage 2 Arden Street redevelopment and ensured the club’s home will remain in its heartland of North Melbourne through the Arden Precinct strategy.

“Former club chief executive officer Ben Amarfio played a pivotal role in a number of key projects that have contributed to the club’s improved financial security. We thank Ben for his leadership and dedication to these critical pieces of work.”