Jaymie Graham says there is "no ceiling" on what can be achieved with North Melbourne's list.

As he was unveiled as North Melbourne's new AFL senior coach at Arden Street on Tuesday, Graham said he was "excited, nervous, proud and really looking forward to the opportunity" of leading the Kangaroos into their next chapter.

"I feel like I've landed in the right place," he told reporters in his first official press conference.

"It's amazing how life works. Things happen for a reason, and after all the people I've met I really feel like I already belong in this place."

Graham, 43, joins the Kangaroos having forged a reputation as one of the country's most promising young coaches throughout 14 years in the AFL coaching ranks.

He held roles at St Kilda and West Coast before moving to Fremantle and serving as an assistant coach under Justin Longmuir as the Dockers won this season's minor premiership and reached last month's Grand Final.

Fielding questions from reporters after his first appointment as an AFL senior coach, Graham spoke about his background, coaching philosophy and his priorities as the Roos prepare for their 2027 pre-season.

"Growing up with my grandparents in Kalgoorlie ... they helped keep me grounded," he said.

"As a coach ... I'm a relationship-builder. I want to create an environment which supports, guides and challenges individuals to thrive and become their best selves, while always putting the team first. 

"As far as footy philosophy goes, I'm a real system-based, role-based coach. I believe that it takes a collective to get the job done."

Graham said his work at the Kangaroos would start immediately, with the Trade Period underway ahead of the official start of pre-season.

"There's no ceiling on where we want to get to (at North Melbourne)," he said.

"There's been a lot of work put in around the standards and the culture. Everyone I speak to at the club is excited about the future and the environment. 

"There's clearly some real talent on this list and there's also some work to do. 

"We'll look to try to get some balance in our game from a defensive point of view and see if we can start to turn the ball over closer to goals and bring our game to life. 

"I've got a lot of thoughts and theories and philosophy, but I'm also looking forward to getting together with the coaching group and collaborating with them."

CEO Jen Watt said Graham's appointment had been a unanimous decision by the club's selection panel, led by Watt, GM of football Todd Viney, AFLW senior coach Darren Crocker, vice-president Nick Dowling, board member Andrew Swallow and Collingwood great Steele Sidebottom.

"Throughout the process it became clear that Jaymie had a really strong values alignment with North Melbourne," Watt said.

"He demonstrated a very clear vision for our football program and playing style, underpinned by his principles of high care and high responsibility."

Graham paid tribute to his family and previous clubs for their parts in developing him as a coach and person, and made special mention of the Dockers.

"We were in a Grand Final 10 days ago and I haven't had a chance to actually thank them and say goodbye yet," he said. 

"I'm sure I will, but I want to thank them for the care and support they showed our family over five years.

"They helped invest in me as a person and a coach, and trusted me to do my job while being ambitious at the same time, and I can't thank them enough for that."

Addressing the North Melbourne players, who attended the packed press conference at Arden St, Graham said his first priority would be building relationships.

"That's my first job with you guys - getting to understand you as people," he said.

He also addressed the North Melbourne faithful, who he described as one of the loudest and best supporter bases in the country.

"To the fan base. You are one of the most passionate and loyal supporter bases, and I hope what we produce in 2027 will make you proud," he said.

"I can't wait to get to work in pre-season."