In a momentous development for North Melbourne, head coach Alastair Clarkson has decided to step aside from his role indefinitely, focusing on his physical and emotional wellbeing.
HOBART, AUSTRALIA – MAY 13: Alastair Clarkson, Senior Coach of the Kangaroos is seen during the round nine AFL match between North Melbourne Kangaroos and Port Adelaide Power at Blundstone Arena, on May 13, 2023, in Hobart, Australia. (Photo by Steve Bell/Getty Images)
This pivotal news was first confirmed on Thursday via a reputable source close to Clarkson’s situation. North Melbourne has since issued an official statement, confirming the departure of their leading figure.
Visit the forum thread on this news for rolling commentary >>
The backdrop to this development includes an ongoing independent investigation probing the treatment of First Nations players during Clarkson’s tenure at Hawthorn, which has undoubtedly placed him under considerable strain. Despite the allegations, Clarkson has staunchly defended his innocence.
In the wake of these challenges, Clarkson’s decision to prioritise his wellbeing is a significant step. His decision, in these adverse times, reflects a person committed to his own health and wellbeing.
Brett Ratten, former head coach for St Kilda and Carlton, and currently an assistant at North Melbourne, will step into Clarkson’s shoes as interim head coach. Ratten’s seasoned experience in AFL will undoubtedly be a considerable asset for the Kangaroos during this transitional period.
North Melbourne’s president, Dr Sonja Hood, expressed her full support for Clarkson’s decision in the club’s official statement: “The club is providing its full support to Alastair and we commend him for making this important decision to put his health first. Everyone involved has been deeply affected by the Hawthorn investigation, and the burden on Alastair has been significant.”
Sonja Hood also said: “We are fortunate to have someone of Brett Ratten’s experience and capability to coach the team in the interim.”
It’s believed that Clarkson is unlikely to attend the scheduled mediation session with the former Hawthorn players, Hawks, Brisbane Lions coach Chris Fagan, and former welfare officer Jason Burt next Tuesday in Adelaide.
Fagan and Burt, like Clarkson, have refuted the allegations resulting from Hawthorn’s cultural safety review into the club’s treatment of First Nations players and their families.
Clarkson previously criticised the handling of the eight-month-old independent investigation into the allegations of racism at Hawthorn, labelling his former club’s process as “shameful” and “a circus”. According to him, the investigation has denied procedural fairness to the trio of former Hawthorn officials.
In their statement, “[t]he club asks that the media respects the privacy of Alastair and his family during this time.”
