The Kangaroos recorded their first win of the season against West Coast in round 13, before narrow defeats to finals contenders Collingwood, Melbourne and the Western Bulldogs.
“The last four weeks have shown our supporters and the wider football public that there’s some excitement here,” Clarkson said.
“You don’t have to go back too long ago where Carlton were and where the Melbourne footy club were … ironically enough ‘Roosy’ was at the Melbourne footy club when that was happening.”
While Clarkson was fairly diplomatic in response, dual North premiership hero Corey McKernan fired up about Roos’ remarks, calling them “really stupid”.
Clarkson believed it was too hard to compare eras, even though he played in the 1980s and has coached in the AFL since 2005.
Meanwhile, the AFL is reportedly looking into giving North Melbourne first access at all Indigenous teenagers in the Northern Territory as an equalisation measure.
The Kangaroos will likely cease playing four home games a year in Hobart ahead of the Tasmanian Devils’ entry into the AFL in 2028.
“All I do know is that the club is going to explore a secondary market for where they can play some of their home games in the future to help grow our brand, help grow our footy club,” Clarkson said.
“It will also provide some sort of financial stability for the footy club, which is what Tassie has been able to offer.”
Clarkson confirmed dashing defender Zac Fisher (foot) would not play against the Suns after being subbed out against the Bulldogs last week.
Often a vocal critic of umpires, Clarkson says he feels sorry for officials and believes the AFL needs to make their job easier.
AFL boss Andrew Dillon this week claimed the standard of umpiring is as good as ever, responding after the league clarifying to Essendon coach Brad Scott a “series of unfortunate events” in the Bombers’ defeat to Geelong.
After North’s loss against the Western Bulldogs last Saturday, Clarkson urged the umpires to be mindful of players staging for free kicks.
Clarkson last month admitted to swearing out of frustration in response to an umpiring decision while coaching from the bench, later apologising.
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