North Melbourne coach Alastair Clarkson is confident his side is maturing and on track for success after making a flying start to 2026.

The Kangaroos broke a run of six consecutive losses against Port Adelaide to hand Josh Carr a 46-point loss in his first game as Power senior coach.

North hadn’t beaten Port since 2019, but proved far too strong at Marvel Stadium on Sunday, running out 17.11 (113) to 9.13 (67) winners.

12:02

Clarkson on defensive effort, the Roo who gained five kilos of muscle

Watch Nth Melbourne’s press conference after round one’s match against Port Adelaide

Coach Alastair Clarkson was visibly emotional at half-time after a strong early showing from his team.

"You’ll need to cart me out in a casket, in terms of wanting to help this footy club and help this group of players," Clarkson said after the match.

KANGAROOS v POWER Full match coverage and stats

"We’ve got a great group of young kids, we’ve got some wise old veterans that can steer us in the right way, and we’ve got a group of players now around that mid-aged bracket that have really matured into fine players for us.

"I’m with these guys all the way."

ALL THE HIGHLIGHTS
  • 02:08
    Interview
    Interview

    'Sorry to anyone I haven't responded to': Debutants on huge week

    Tom Blamires and Lachy Dovaston speak to NMFC Media following their first AFL games

    AFL
    Videos
  • 12:02

    Clarkson on defensive effort, the Roo who gained five kilos of muscle

    Watch Nth Melbourne’s press conference after round one’s match against Port Adelaide

    AFL
    Videos
  • 08:15

    AFL R1 match highlights: North Melbourne v Port Adelaide

    The Kangaroos and Power clash in round one of the 2026 Toyota AFL Premiership Season

    AFL
    Videos
  • 00:47

    Join in the chorus: Roos sing it LOUD

    Watch the Kangaroos celebrate their round one win

    AFL
    Videos
  • 01:45

    Jones, Petrie present guernseys for latest Shinboners

    Corey Jones and Drew Petrie return to the North Melbourne rooms to hand debutants Tom Blamires and Lachy Dovaston their first guernseys

    AFL
    Videos
  • 02:35

    'Good, you're learning': Larkey mic'd up

    Catch North Melbourne captain Nick Larkey mic’d up during training

    AFL
    Videos
  • 16:59
    Press Conference
    Press Conference

    Clarkson on Dovaston, Blamires, Port Adelaide

    Senior coach Alastair Clarkson speaks to reporters ahead of Round 1

    AFL
    Videos
  • 01:28

    Debuts revealed for draftee, pre-season signing

    Senior coach Alastair Clarkson and Head of Football Todd Viney reveal North Melbourne's newest debutants, Lachy Dovaston and Tom Blamires

    AFL
    Videos

HELP US MAKE IT HAPPEN

We're ready. Bound with us in 2026 and become a North Melbourne member!

JOIN US TODAY