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AFL legend Leigh Matthews has outlined criteria he believes North Melbourne should follow as they look to replace outgoing coach Brad Scott.

AFL legend Leigh Matthews has urged North Melbourne to forget about headhunting a current senior coach to replace Brad Scott and instead look for a candidate who has previously held the top job.

Scott is expected to confirm he will mutually part ways with North after 10 years in the role at a press conference on Sunday.

West Coast premiership coach Adam Simpson and Sydney premiership mentor John Longmire have already been linked with a possible move back to the club they enjoyed decorated playing careers with.

But Matthews isn't a fan of that approach.

"When we talk about coaching candidates ... the coach you want can't be headhunted," Matthews told 3AW.

"Going and poaching a (senior) coach from another club is against coaching philosophy.

"Anyone who is currently coaching a club, I don't think they can entertain being poached to go elsewhere.

"I might be old fashioned in that but if I was the (North), I'd be looking for a coach that has had senior experience.

"You've got to be better second time around."

Matthews doesn't believe an assistant coach without senior coaching experience should be installed as Scott's successor.

He referred to Paul Roos in terms of being the perfect candidate after his premiership success with the Swans and his work in rebuilding Melbourne.

But with Roos unlikely to be tempted out of retirement, Matthews urged North to get past the stigma that can be associated with former head coaches.

"I'd certainly be going for someone that has been out of playing for at least 10 years in his forties or even over because with man management experience is critical."

Former senior coaches currently in assistant roles at AFL clubs include Michael Voss, Brett Ratten, Matthew Knights, Brenton Sanderson and Justin Leppitsch.