Infotainment Factory: 'Shattered' players in tears as coach sacked

Sacked North Melbourne coach David Noble revealed Kangaroos players were "shattered" and in tears when he told them of his demise.

The embattled club announced Noble's immediate departure on Tuesday morning.

The Kangaroos have won just one of 16 matches this season, and are currently on a 14-game losing streak.

Noble became emotional when addressing media about him exiting the chair.

"I took on this role for an enormous challenge. I gave my absolute heart and soul to the job and I think I leave the place in a strong position for ongoing success in the not too distant future," Noble said.

"I'm comfortable that I gave my all and always worked in the best interest of the players, staff and the football club. But ultimately, the scoreboard doesn't make for great reading.

"To the players … I believe in each and every one of you and I see the hard work you're putting in, but it will turn."

Noble took on the job at the start of the 2021 season and has won just five of 38 matches in that time.

The Kangaroos finished last in 2021 and face the prospect of a second consecutive wooden spoon this season.

"The North Melbourne Kangaroos and senior coach David Noble have mutually agreed to part ways, effective immediately," the club said in a statement.

Leigh Adams is expected to be named as interim coach.

Noble's departure leaves North Melbourne on the lookout for a fourth full-time coach in five seasons.

Leading journalist Caroline Wilson recently detailed the fractures that had emerged at the club between Noble and senior players.

Noble's leadership style was questioned, with the second-year coach forced to apologise to his players after a verbal barrage following a 108-point loss to Brisbane earlier this season.

"The stories coming out of the club about the relationship between the coach and the players are disturbing," Wilson told Nine's Footy Classified in May.

"It was disturbing last week when news leaked to the Herald Sun about the spray after the Brisbane loss that David Noble had given his players, so bad that he apologised.

"I think that's a problem when players are talking about that stuff. I'm hearing more and more about players just being disenchanted with the coach... with his temper on occasions."

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