North Melbourne officially unveil Jayne Graham as new senior coach

North Melbourne president Sonja Hood has penned a letter to Kangaroos members welcoming the appointment of new coach Jaymie Graham. Just over a week after he helped steer Fremantle into the AFL grand final as an assistant under Justin Longmuir, Graham has officially been unveiled as Alastair Clarkson’s successor at the Roos. “I’m delighted to announce that Jaymie Graham is the new senior coach of our AFL team,” Hood wrote.

“You’ll learn more about Jaymie’s personal and football journey in the coming days and weeks, but let me say he has the resilience to handle the relentless toils of the football environment, carrying the exact kind of grit we value at North Melbourne. “As a coach, Jaymie is a process-driven leader with a quiet, grounded presence, sharp attention to detail, and a clear football vision. “Outside of his exceptional character, he joins us with a proven skill set. He played a key role in West Coast’s 2018 premiership success, and more recently he was the line coach for one of the competition’s best forward lines at Fremantle as part of a high-performing program.

“He is widely respected across the industry as a developer of talent and a connector of people — someone who builds strong player relationships instantly and earns respect through his actions. “Our selection panel – chaired by Jennifer Watt and comprising Todd Viney, Andrew Swallow, Nick Dowling, Darren Crocker, and Steele Sidebottom – felt the alignment of Jaymie’s personal values with those of our club, along with all of his extensive football credentials and clear capabilities, made him the very best person to take our club forward.” Graham edged Hawthorn assistants Daniel Giansiracusa and David Hale, North Melbourne assistant Xavier Clarke, and former Collingwood coach Nathan Buckley, who pulled out of the process late last week.

“We want to sincerely thank the high-calibre candidates who took part in this process,” Hood added. “I also want to say thank you to you, our members, for your patience over the past few weeks. We know that this process can bring a natural sense of uncertainty. We are grateful for the faith and trust you have shown while we worked through a thorough process to get this right. “Jaymie arrives at our club at a time the foundations are well and truly set and will lead a playing group ready to roll up their sleeves. Jaymie will get to work straight away, engaging in our trade and draft activities. “Please join me in welcoming him to our club.” Shortly after Hood’s statement, Fremantle offered their best wishes to their departing assistant, who had been at the club since the 2022 season. “We can’t thank Jaymie enough for his five outstanding seasons of service to our Club,” Dockers footy boss Joe Brierty said.

“Ever since he set foot in the door, he has been a highly valued member of our coaching department and respected by all players and football staff. “Jaymie has had a significant impact not only on our player group — but the entire football department and broader club. “It is well documented that Jaymie has had ambitions of becoming a senior coach in his own right one day, and we couldn’t be prouder or happier for him to take an opportunity he’s worked so hard for. “On behalf of the players, coaches and the entire Fremantle Football Club, we wish Jaymie, his wife Kasey, son Hudson and daughter Neve, all the very best for the future, and thank them for all they have given while being part of the Freo family.”