'That's not his role': North coach Alastair Clarkson snaps back at 'macho' criticism of young star

North Melbourne coach Alastair Clarkson has laughed off criticism of rising star midfielder Colby McKercher, describing the analysis as "macho".

The 21-year-old was called out by Port Adelaide 300-gamer Kane Cornes for not winning enough contested footy across his career, and in particular in round eight against Geelong.

McKercher finished the game with a strong 23 touches, two goals and 10 score involvements, but went through the match without registering a contested possession.

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Winning all of his footy on the outside led Cornes to brand him "no contest Colby", saying he is developing "bad habits" as a midfielder.

"So Colby McKercher is a player who I rate highly, so much talent ... he did not have a contested possession against a side like Geelong in Geelong," Cornes told Channel Seven during the week.

"You have to win your own ball. He's the only player on the ground that didn't have a contested possession from 24."

Clarkson's response to the criticism was straightforward, saying McKercher's role was to win or receive the ball on the outside and punish teams with his run, carry and kicking, like he did effectively against the Cats.

He waved off the feedback as simply looking at the game through a "macho" lens.

"The really unusual part of this game is if you had your choice, it would be everything uncontested. Everyone wants the ball in space," Clarkson said.

"McKercher's role is mainly that. He knows at different stages he needs to be in the heat of the battle and competing inside.

"It just becomes a macho thing really, doesn't it. (Ruckman) Tristan Xerri doesn't have any uncontested possessions. Are we having a crack at him for not running on the outside?

"That's not his role. (Xerri's) role is to get his head in the trough and go and get the footy and feed it to these guys on the outside.

"I don't take too much notice of anything other than what the role of these guys are and for some of these guys it's to get on the outside and be uncontested players and get in space and use the footy.

"For other guys it's put your nose in the trough and get it out to them. We're happy that he's playing the role. He caused some damage to the Geelong side at different stages last week and hopefully he's a threat to Sydney tomorrow."

McKercher's toughness was shown earlier in the season when Clarkson as the coach ripped into him at three-quarter-time of their Good Friday come-from-behind win over Carlton.

Clarkson got in his face, delivering a spray and a punch to the arm, after McKercher lapsed defensively and allowed a goal during the quarter.

The moment was analysed to death in the week that followed, but the player himself had no issues with the fiery rev up.

"I was disappointed I let the team down," McKercher told Fox Footy post-match.

"I knew I'd made a mistake when it happened and I could see him beeline straight for me at three-quarter time. I was like: 'Here we we go'.

"'Clarko' and I have such a good relationship, we hugged it out after the game.

"I think it's just his way of showing care, he's so hard on me because he cares so much.

"Obviously he was pretty fired up there, but it's in the heat of battle. Things like that happen. I don't think it should be made a big deal out of."

Clarkson himself defended the situation calling it a "general reminder that we need to be stronger (defensively)".

McKercher, Clarkson and the Roos now prepare to take on top-of-the-table Sydney on Sunday in a game where the club will celebrate 30 years since the 1996 premiership.

It will be his 48th game for the club since being selected with pick two in the 2023 draft.