North Melbourne imposes media blackout after 124‑point defeat to Fremantle

North Melbourne AFC responded to a 124‑point loss to Fremantle, the equal‑seventh worst margin in the club’s 157‑year history, by restricting all media access to its players. Coach Alastair Clarkson called the performance “dreadful” and said the team would regroup by staying together in Western Australia.

The defeat, suffered at Hands Oval in Bunbury, prompted the club to deny interview requests and focus on a week of training before the next match against the Eagles at Optus Stadium. Clarkson emphasized the need for resilience after the break in routine caused by the AFL bye round, noting the loss highlighted a lack of toughness and routine.

The loss also raised criticism of the club’s arrangement to play two “home” games in WA, a deal worth over $2 million with the state government. North Melbourne’s next fixture is against West Coast at the same venue a week later.