North Melbourne has confirmed Alastair Clarkson will return to full-time coaching duties early next month.

Clarkson will be in charge of the Kangaroos for their round-21 match against Melbourne on August 6.

The four-time premiership coach took a break from his role as Kangaroos senior coach in May to focus on his mental and physical wellbeing.

He stepped away from his coaching duties while he dealt with the fall-out from allegations of cultural insensitivity by First Nations players at his former club, Hawthorn.

Clarkson, current Brisbane Lions coach and former Hawthorn football boss Chris Fagan, and former Hawthorn staffer Jason Burt, all denied any wrongdoing and no findings were made against them in an AFL-commissioned investigation into the allegations.

“We’re so pleased that Alastair can return to the role of senior coach,” Kangaroos chief executive Jennifer Watt said in a statement.

“The time away was critical for Alastair to address his physical and mental health and it’s obvious to everyone that he’s hungry and ready to resume his place as our senior coach.

“Alastair, and indeed the whole club, has been incredibly grateful to Brett Ratten and the entire coaching group, for stepping up in his absence.

“We have been very purposeful with Alastair’s return and integration back into the program to ensure a seamless transition for our playing group and to provide Alastair with the time to reacquaint himself with both the game and the program.”

Clarkson will work with interim senior coach Brett Ratten ahead of the Kangaroos’ round-20 match against West Coast.

Following the match with the Eagles, he will assume all senior coaching duties.

The Kangaroos sit second from last on the ladder, having won just two of their 17 matches this season.

Loading

Source: AFL NEWS ABC