Heartbreaking news: North Melbourne head coach Alastair Clarkson just passed away to….

The comments came a day after Clarkson said in a press conference he wouldn’t publicly discuss trade targets or contracted players from rival clubs.

On Sunday, after North Melbourne’s horror 20.18 (138) to 6.6 (42) loss to the Western Bulldogs, Clarkson said the radio discussion was purely a “philosophical” one.

He reiterated his club is seeking to recruit “leadership type of players” in the off-season.

“Are we targeting specifics? No. I could’ve named (Patrick) Dangerfield in there or Jeremy Cameron … anyone possibly that can come in and help us that’s in the twilight of their career to give us some leadership,” Clarkson said.

“The mature-age in our list, that’s where we’re particularly skinny.

“So we’ll continue to search for that. It wasn’t meant to be throwing petrol on the fire for other clubs. That’s just where we’re at.”

Former Hawthorn coach Clarkson likened North Melbourne’s pursuit of senior recruits to Stuart Dew joining the Hawks at the end of 2007, as well as Luke Hodge and Grant Birchall moving to Brisbane in the twilight of their careers.

“We’ll look to do the same sort of thing if the guys are available, but all these guys that we’re talking about are all contracted to their clubs,” Clarkson said.

“It’s just that we’re looking for a type of player … and if they become available to come and be an asset for a footy club, then we’re prepared to explore it.”

North Melbourne’s loss to the Bulldogs ensured the Kangaroos will finish a fifth consecutive season with no more than four wins.