North Melbourne caretaker Brett Ratten remains in the dark about when coach Alastair Clarkson will return from his self-imposed period of leave from the club.

The pair have only had snippets of interaction since Clarkson stepped away from the Kangaroos earlier this month, citing the ongoing toll of the Hawthorn racism saga.

"I've got no indication of when he'll return," Ratten told Fox Footy on Monday night.

"I've texted Al once and he replied, and before each game he's just sent me a message of support.

"That's a hard bit when you're stuck here in this position. I want to reach out and say, 'what are you after? What do you want to do?'

"But that's not going to help him, thinking about footy.

"He needs to do all the things that could take his mind away from the game and allow himself the time to get well."

Clarkson, Chris Fagan and Jason Burt have been named in allegations of racism during their time at Hawthorn.

All deny any wrongdoing.

Ratten said North Melbourne's coaching staff are sticking to Clarkson's plan while he is away but will make tough calls if required.

The former St Kilda and Carlton coach also threw his support behind Ben McKay after the key defender's below-par outing in the 35-point loss to Collingwood on Sunday.

"We're not changing anything. I'm keeping the seat warm, we want to keep the same process moving forward," Ratten said.

"But if players are in form or out of form or there needs to be changes, we'll have those conversations.

"Ben didn't perform to the level that he's capable of and he probably had some plays that he would like back, but he's a way better player than that.

"Only the week before he played really well on Lance Franklin for three quarters."

North Melbourne fell agonisingly short of victory against Sydney in Ratten's first game in charge before losing to Collingwood.

They take on Essendon at Marvel Stadium on Sunday, hoping to avoid a 10th consecutive loss.