Xavier Clarke is embracing the added level of responsibility in his new role as an assistant coach of North Melbourne.

Clarke will take charge of the Kangaroos' forward-line and team offence after joining the club late last month.

The former St Kilda and Brisbane Lions player believes that there are 'exciting times ahead' in his new colours.

"It's a big role, a big challenge, but I'm looking forward to that," Clarke told SEN's Fridays in the Top End.

"That's the biggest change, instead of working with just one line group, I'll get to work with the whole group in terms of what offence looks like."

Clarke was shortlisted for Richmond's senior coaching position in August and went through a three-hour interview process, which he described as "intense".

He has spent the past seven seasons at the Tigers in a variety of coaching roles and has been able to learn from some of the best.

"I've been able to work with guys like Craig Macrae and Blake Caracella, who has a beautiful mind in terms of what offence looks like," he said.

"So, I've got my own spin on what I think things should look like, but I've also learnt a lot along the way from some pretty successful coaches."

The Territorian also cited the opportunity to work under four-time AFL premiership coach Alastair Clarkson as one of the main reasons for ultimately joining the Kangaroos.

North Melbourne has finished in the bottom two on the ladder in each of the past four seasons.

18-year-old Harry Sheezel won the club's best-and-fairest in 2023, while Luke Davies-Uniacke and George Wardlow shape as key cogs of the Kangaroos midfield for the next decade.

Clarke said that he was looking forward to working with the club's exciting crop of young players.

"I'm stepping in with a blank canvas and from all reports everyone is really eager to learn," he said.

"I'm exciting to help (North) build and get back to where we need to be, and that's getting back to playing finals football, hopefully in the next few years.

"I'm looking forward to taking that next step in my coaching journey."

Clarke reflects fondly of his time at Richmond but believes that the timing is right to move on to bigger opportunities.

"I've been at Richmond for seven and a half years and it has been great being a part of the journey and the success that comes along with that," he said.

"It was a hard decision, you build great relationships with players and staff.

"I just felt that I was at that stage in my coaching career where I needed a new challenge, a new opportunity."