North Melbourne should approach Brett Ratten for a potential coaching role, says Kane Cornes.
Ratten has been left on the scrapheap following his sensational sacking from St Kilda last Friday.
He was reportedly made to plead for his job in meetings for several days before ultimately being dumped and he’ll now only receive a six-month payout, despite signing a two-year contract extension three months ago.
The Roos are also in a concerning position. With new coach Alastair Clarkson indicted by allegations of racism from his time at Hawthorn, he’s taken a step back from the club and pushed back his proposed start date of November 1.
But with the terms of reference for the AFL’s investigation nearing completion, Melbourne Hall of Famer Garry Lyon believes Clarkson could return within two weeks.
“At some stage, he’ll have to (return),” Lyon told SEN Breakfast.
“It’s not an AFL-sanctioned penalty, both coaches have just said, 'we’ll remove ourselves here while the investigation is going to be formed'.
“If that’s going to continue to be drawn out and they can’t quite settle on the right set up and structure that’s going to be satisfactory to both parties, then you can’t indefinitely stay away, I would have thought.”
But with uncertainty surrounding Clarkson given he may never coach again if allegations are proven true, Cornes suggested a phone call to Ratten wouldn’t go astray.
“I wonder if they pick up the phone to Brett Ratten. It’s very difficult for Brett to find a job in this situation, North Melbourne appears to be a club with an opportunity,” Cornes added.
“(They) know that he’s capable that if Alastair Clarkson was to miss time, Brett Rattan could step in and be the man.
“I’d be surprised if he doesn’t end up there, Brett, which would be good for him.”
AFL Media’s Damian Barrett has previously stated he “can’t see” Clarkson coaching Round 1 in 2023.
Ratten has previously coached 92 wins across stints at Carlton and St Kilda.