The AFL scene is abuzz with speculation as North Melbourne’s four-time premiership coach Alastair Clarkson appears poised to make a comeback to the club after a six-week absence. The Kangaroos, currently languishing in 17th place and going through a winless phase under caretaker coach
Brett Ratten, are in dire need of a reversal of fortunes. It seems the stage is set for Clarkson’s return, though it may be a gradual one.
Ever since he took personal leave amidst the Hawthorn racism controversy, the question of his return to the Kangaroos has been a hot topic. According to respected AFL journalist Damian Barrett, insiders expect Clarkson to resume duties in the next fortnight, though it may be a gradual return rather than a full-fledged comeback.
What remains unclear is the exact timeline and modality of his return. It’s speculated that Clarkson might not reclaim the reins of the team till after the Round 18 game against Hawthorn, the very club where he built his legacy but also faced recent tribulations. The club’s Round 19 clash with St Kilda seems a more likely scenario for his return to full duties.
Clarkson’s absence hasn’t just been felt in North Melbourne’s match outcomes. The fallout from his tumultuous exit from Hawthorn and the ensuing racism investigation has cast long shadows over his career and the AFL world at large. The fact that Sam Mitchell, his successor at Hawthorn, conspicuously left him unmentioned in his Hall of Fame induction speech only underlines the deep divide left in the wake of the messy handover.
The return of such an experienced coach could provide the much-needed spark to reignite the Kangaroos’ campaign. It seems the players themselves are looking forward to this possibility, with Luke Davies-Uniacke confessing his uncertainty about Clarkson’s return amid the club’s challenging away games against Adelaide and Geelong.
Matthew Lloyd, the Essendon legend, strongly believes that Clarkson’s return would be a positive move, especially considering North Melbourne’s current losing streak. With a vast pool of experience, Alastair Clarkson’s return might just be the key to snapping the Kangaroos’ 12-game losing streak.
Even as the Kangaroos continue their battle on the field, they and their faithful supporters wait eagerly for Clarkson’s return – an event that promises to herald a new chapter in the club’s 2023 season.
