North Melbourne co-captain Jy Simpkin says the Hawthorn racism saga which continues to circle coach Alastair Clarkson has not filtered down to take its toll on the Kangaroos' playing group.

The acquisition of Clarkson's signature at Ardern Street came just days before bombshell allegations surrounding the experiences of three former Indigenous players at Hawthorn during his tenure coaching the club.

He, current Brisbane coach Chris Fagan and ex-Hawks player development manager Jason Burt are central to allegations.

Investigations into the claims began in September, and re-emerged as a heavy discussion point in recent weeks following a series of developments between the involved parties.

In March, Simpkin, a Yorta-Yorta man and one of just a few First Nations men to captain an AFL side, told the National Indigenous Times the environment for Indigenous players at the Roos had remained "positive", crediting Clarkson for his support.

North have endured a string of concerning matters involving past and present Indigenous players in the first half of 2023.

Serious allegations of Tarryn Thomas' behaviour to towards women and historic-sexual assault claims levelled against club great Barry Cable coupled the ongoing concerns regarding Clarkson.

Wins in both of the first two rounds of the season after consecutive wooden spoon seasons breathed some life into the embattled club before a horror run of seven losses on the trot to the end of round 9.

"There's no way he (Clarkson) can be coaching at his best with everything that's going on," Kane Cornes said on the Sunday Footy Show at the weekend after North's 70-point loss to Port Adelaide on Saturday.

"Clearly the effect that this is having, and you can understand it…they're not getting the best version (of Clarkson). Through no fault of their own, North, they've been caught up in this situation…"

Speaking to reporters on Monday, Simpkin said Clarkson has been "awesome" at keeping any outside noise from impacting on the playing group.

"As players we don't read into too much of the media…," Simkpin said.

"We're very much locked into what we have to do, what we can control.

"Obviously, all the stuff with Clarkso that's going on, it's above us and out of our hands."

"We wouldn't even know anything else is happening outside of the club, to be honest, so couldn't have any more praise for Clarko."

Injury has added to North's woes, leaving the door open for a return to AFL football for Tarryn Thomas.

The 23-year-old has spent large portions of the season distanced from the club's senior side after fresh allegations surfacing around his behaviour and inadequate progression through club-organised behavioural training.

Thomas has made appearances for North's VFL side, and is due to return to the club's AFL structure this week.

Simpkin did note rule out the possibility of Thomas slipping into their round 10 side to face Sydney on Saturday.

"Tarryn's done everything he can outside the club to continue to get better and work off and tick off what he's had to," Simpkin said.

"I spoke to him a few times and I'm comfortable with where he's at and looking forward to having him back in the club."

Simpkin and Thomas, alongside Phoenix Spicer, helped inspire the Kangaroos' 2023 Indigenous jumper to be worn in Sir Doug Nicholls round in the following two weeks.