Alastair Clarkson has issued a letter to North Melbourne fans ahead of his return as senior coach nine weeks on from taking a leave of absence attributed to the toll taken by the Hawthorn racism probe.
Clarkson returns to the coaches box when North face Melbourne on Sunday.
He has spent a short period shadowing his interim replacement, Brett Ratten, who took over his post in May.
A fortnight prior to the AFL dropping the Hawks investigation, North Melbourne president Sonja Hood gave a brief indication of the mental health strain endured by Clarkson sparking his step away.
"Everyone involved has been deeply affected by the Hawthorn investigation and the burden on Alastair has been significant," she said at the time.
"We will give Alastair whatever time he needs to restore his health and look forward to welcoming him back when he is fully fit."
The four-time premiership coach, alongside current Brisbane head coach Chris Fagan and former Hawthorn footy staffer Jason Burt, were placed in the centre of claims of racist and intimidating conduct sounded by a cohort of Indigenous former Hawks during Clarkson's time at the club.
All three men strenuously denied the claims against them.
The players behind the allegations identified themselves just days after the league ended the probe on May 30.
Cyril Rioli, who's difficulties with the club have been highly publicised, is among the group.
Clarkson gave some detail into his physical and mental health experiences, saying it was "a little embarrassing" to step away.
"Caryn (Clarkson's wife) and I were getting warning signals regarding my physical and mental wellbeing on numerous occasions, and May 17 was the day of realisation that I could only invest in my family, my club and my community if I got myself back to full health," he said.
He thanked a neurologist and team of doctors for developing strategies "pivotal to my progress."
"Ironically, returning to coaching our club is a very important part of that process."
Clarkson will coach his 400th AFL this weekend.
North have failed to register a win during his period away.
