When Alastair Clarkson speaks, people listen.
The four-time AFL premiership coach had North Melbourne players hanging on his every word during his first press conference as Kangaroos boss.
Every member of North's squad, including No.1 draft pick Jason Horne-Francis, watched on in awe during one of the most important days in the club's history.
An emotional Clarkson spoke for almost five minutes on Friday before taking any questions, passionately describing what North meant to him
Before becoming one of the AFL's most decorated coaches, Clarkson made his way to Arden St in 1987 as a determined and "mischievous" young player from Kaniva, a small town in western Victoria.
Dealing with the tragic death of his brother in a car accident, the Kangaroos gave him the stability he craved as a teenager.
"I really needed some direction in my life and I was so fortunate (former North administrator) Greg Miller approached me to come to this club," Clarkson said.
"I needed some support in my life in that time and this club gave it to me.
"Perhaps the shoe is on the other foot right now where this club needs some support and some help."
After securing Clarkson, North are the AFL's laughing stock no more.
They have endured a tumultuous five years on and off the field, but a weight was lifted at North by Clarkson committing to the club.
North will finish bottom-two for the third straight year but having Clarkson at the helm sets them on a path back up the ladder.
Even during the Kangaroos' golden era in the 1990s, they were still subject to relocation rumours and almost merged in the same year they won their third premiership.
Speculation the club could leave Melbourne has only increased during a difficult period on the field.
But Clarkson, who is North's fourth full-time coach in five years, is determined to build the Kangaroos into a genuine powerhouse.
"I want to continue to grow this club here in Melbourne but also beyond Melbourne," Clarkson said.
Australian Associated Press
