‘I’ve got life experiences’: Why Jaymie Graham is ready to lead Kangaroos

October 6, 2026 — 2:47pm

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New North Melbourne coach Jaymie Graham was told “to just be himself” by club officials before facing the media for the first time in his new role on Tuesday.

Truth be told, a relaxed Graham, 43, was already doing that for the previous 10 minutes, sipping on a coffee and enjoying a relaxed chat with midfield coach Michael Barlow at the back of the common room at Arden Street, as the bright lights awaited.

After the tumult of the Alastair Clarkson sacking last month, amid claims players were confused about the game plan and mixed messaging, the Kangaroos were after a strong but caring people manager, who could deliver a modern game plan understood by a younger generation of player, and their sometimes short attention spans.

In Graham, a former West Coast Eagles player, and a man just pipped at the post for the recent senior coaching roles at Carlton and Essendon, the Kangaroos believe they have the right man – their seventh coach since the start of the 2019 season, including Brad Scott.

“Throughout the process, it became clear that Jaymie had really strong values alignment to North Melbourne. He demonstrated a very clear vision for our football program and playing style, underpinned by his principles of high care and high accountability,” Kangaroos chief executive Jen Watt said.

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© The Sydney Morning Herald