Coach Alastair Clarkson IV - HFC Racism Investigation Discussion

[Hearts to hearts]

Clarkson and co unlikely to face sanctions as pressure rises on investigators​

Jake Niall, Andrew Wu, Peter Ryan


Investigators are being urged to bring the Hawthorn racism inquiry to a close following North Melbourne coach Alastair Clarkson’s shock decision to step away from the game to focus on his mental and physical wellbeing.

Multiple sources familiar with the investigation into historical allegations of racism at Hawthorn, who were not authorised to talk publicly, have told this masthead there is little chance of Clarkson or his former lieutenants Chris Fagan and Jason Burt facing sanctions based on the evidence presented to the inquiry so far.

Kangaroos coach Alastair Clarkson has stood down from his role and the AFL for an indefinite period.

North Melbourne were confident on Thursday night Clarkson – who coached the Hawks to four premierships – would return to the coaches’ box after his frustrations with the drawn-out investigation into alleged mistreatment of First Nations players and partners at Hawthorn forced him to take a break.

Former Carlton and St Kilda coach Brett Ratten will take over from Clarkson as interim North Melbourne coach. He will become the back-to-back wooden spooners’ fourth senior coach in 17 games.

On a day when the AFL, the coaches’ association, and Brisbane coach Fagan called for a timely resolution to the saga, North Melbourne stood firmly behind Clarkson, to whom they offered a five-year contract last year, entrusting him with the job of lifting the club out of the doldrums.

Declaring she would not have done anything differently if she had her time again, North president Sonja Hood slammed the investigation conducted by the AFL-appointed panel, chaired by Bernard Quinn, KC.


Clarkson last week savaged Hawthorn and labelled Hawthorn’s conduct as “shameful” and the investigation as “a circus”, saying it had denied him, Fagan and former welfare officer Burt procedural fairness. The trio is yet to be interviewed, and have all denied any wrongdoing.

Sources said Clarkson was highly unlikely to participate in a planned mediation session with the former Hawthorn players and the Hawks, scheduled for next Tuesday in Adelaide.

​

“We’re eight months into that report [landing], and that’s an awfully long time in which you can’t defend yourself, and actually that’s a long time for everybody in the process,” Hood told Triple M.

“It’s a long time for the people who told their stories and haven’t properly been heard, it’s a long time for the people who have had allegations made against them and haven’t been able to defend themselves.

“Last week the chairman of that tribunal put out a three-page statement defending himself, he’s had more opportunity to speak than any of the people that have been accused.”

AFL chief Gillon McLachlan said the investigation had placed a “heavy burden” on all involved and called for the investigation to reach a resolution.

“The AFL supports current efforts to find a mediated outcome that provides fairness and natural justice for all involved and encourage all parties to work towards a timely and just outcome,” McLachlan said.

Leon Zwier, heading the legal team representing four First Nations families, declined to comment when contacted by this masthead.

Former Hawthorn president Jeff Kennett, speaking on Channel Seven, called for the current investigation to be stood down, saying a new one should be set up where the claims against Clarkson could be tested in court.

North football boss Todd Viney, a confidant of Clarkson’s, said players and staff had not been aware of the veteran coach’s angst so well had he concealed his inner turmoil at not being able to give his side to the serious allegations levelled against him.

Viney said Clarkson had not slept for more than two hours a night “for a long period of time” as he dealt with the fallout from the historic claims and the struggles of improving North’s on-field fortunes.

“I don’t know where it’s at, I just hope that it’s now getting closer to the end,” Viney said. “That we can get a resolution that all people involved can, for the sake of everyone’s wellbeing, get to a conclusion.

“This was supposed to be finished up before Christmas. Here we are still dealing with it and people’s wellbeing and health are being affected by it. So let’s get together and work it out and get it done.”

Lions coach Fagan said the “deeply flawed process” was “profoundly damaging and unfair” and had taken a “heavy” toll on him.

Viney was blindsided when the four-time premiership coach and his wife Caryn called on Wednesday to arrange a meeting with Kangaroos chief Jennifer Watt and Hood and announce his intention to step down.

He said Clarkson’s comments last week were a “window into his mindset”.

“You got a good feel for the animosity he’s got towards the Hawthorn Football Club; a club that he served for 17 years, four premierships, had such an influence on so many people within that footy club,” Viney said.

“For a process to unfold in such serious allegations to be had, and have no reply to that process has been enormously hurtful to him.”

It is unclear when Clarkson will return to North Melbourne, who have won just 11 of their past 70 games and are on a seven-game losing streak.

“We can’t tell whether that’s one week or six weeks – we’ll take that as it comes,” Viney said. “The No.1 priority will be for him to get fit and healthy again.

“I personally don’t [think he will lost to the game] but certainly that’s a possibility. I think that he just needs a little bit of time. And there’s no indication in any of the conversations yesterday that that was the end of Alastair Clarkson.”

Just saw that. AFL would love for Hawthorn to settle quietly and it to all go away - a perfect end to Gil’s reign of sweeping under rugs. But how do these guys go back, after those allegations, without a resolution?

 

[RightWingRoo]

Well this was another train coming our way to run us over.

But as hard as it is, stick fat because it will turn. We have people the quality of Sonja and Todd in positions of power at our club and we can be thankful for that. Ratts is an experienced, capable set of hands to look after the boys until Clarko comes back.

They can knock him down, but they can't keep him down. Clarko can take all the time he needs to get well again. And I'm confident that once he is, he'll be back better than ever.

Imagine how good it will be when Clarko and Jy lift up number 5, and he can take it back to the $10,000,000 Portsea beachhouse this s***show paid for.

 

[Makeshift Park]

Sonja Hood Discusses Alastair Clarkson's Wellbeing After Taking Indefinite Leave

Sonja Hood Discusses Alastair Clarkson's Wellbeing After Taking Indefinite Leave

articles.listnr.com

If you're out there, that was an outstanding interview Prez.

'Twas a pretty shithouse day all in all, but those were some helpful reflections to end it on, and made me as a supporter feel better about where our club is at.

 

[Merlin007]

Clarkson and co unlikely to face sanctions as pressure rises on investigators​

Jake Niall, Andrew Wu, Peter Ryan


Investigators are being urged to bring the Hawthorn racism inquiry to a close following North Melbourne coach Alastair Clarkson’s shock decision to step away from the game to focus on his mental and physical wellbeing.

Multiple sources familiar with the investigation into historical allegations of racism at Hawthorn, who were not authorised to talk publicly, have told this masthead there is little chance of Clarkson or his former lieutenants Chris Fagan and Jason Burt facing sanctions based on the evidence presented to the inquiry so far.

Kangaroos coach Alastair Clarkson has stood down from his role and the AFL for an indefinite period.

North Melbourne were confident on Thursday night Clarkson – who coached the Hawks to four premierships – would return to the coaches’ box after his frustrations with the drawn-out investigation into alleged mistreatment of First Nations players and partners at Hawthorn forced him to take a break.

Former Carlton and St Kilda coach Brett Ratten will take over from Clarkson as interim North Melbourne coach. He will become the back-to-back wooden spooners’ fourth senior coach in 17 games.

On a day when the AFL, the coaches’ association, and Brisbane coach Fagan called for a timely resolution to the saga, North Melbourne stood firmly behind Clarkson, to whom they offered a five-year contract last year, entrusting him with the job of lifting the club out of the doldrums.

Declaring she would not have done anything differently if she had her time again, North president Sonja Hood slammed the investigation conducted by the AFL-appointed panel, chaired by Bernard Quinn, KC.


Clarkson last week savaged Hawthorn and labelled Hawthorn’s conduct as “shameful” and the investigation as “a circus”, saying it had denied him, Fagan and former welfare officer Burt procedural fairness. The trio is yet to be interviewed, and have all denied any wrongdoing.

Sources said Clarkson was highly unlikely to participate in a planned mediation session with the former Hawthorn players and the Hawks, scheduled for next Tuesday in Adelaide.

​

“We’re eight months into that report [landing], and that’s an awfully long time in which you can’t defend yourself, and actually that’s a long time for everybody in the process,” Hood told Triple M.

“It’s a long time for the people who told their stories and haven’t properly been heard, it’s a long time for the people who have had allegations made against them and haven’t been able to defend themselves.

“Last week the chairman of that tribunal put out a three-page statement defending himself, he’s had more opportunity to speak than any of the people that have been accused.”

AFL chief Gillon McLachlan said the investigation had placed a “heavy burden” on all involved and called for the investigation to reach a resolution.

“The AFL supports current efforts to find a mediated outcome that provides fairness and natural justice for all involved and encourage all parties to work towards a timely and just outcome,” McLachlan said.

Leon Zwier, heading the legal team representing four First Nations families, declined to comment when contacted by this masthead.

Former Hawthorn president Jeff Kennett, speaking on Channel Seven, called for the current investigation to be stood down, saying a new one should be set up where the claims against Clarkson could be tested in court.

North football boss Todd Viney, a confidant of Clarkson’s, said players and staff had not been aware of the veteran coach’s angst so well had he concealed his inner turmoil at not being able to give his side to the serious allegations levelled against him.

Viney said Clarkson had not slept for more than two hours a night “for a long period of time” as he dealt with the fallout from the historic claims and the struggles of improving North’s on-field fortunes.

“I don’t know where it’s at, I just hope that it’s now getting closer to the end,” Viney said. “That we can get a resolution that all people involved can, for the sake of everyone’s wellbeing, get to a conclusion.

“This was supposed to be finished up before Christmas. Here we are still dealing with it and people’s wellbeing and health are being affected by it. So let’s get together and work it out and get it done.”

Lions coach Fagan said the “deeply flawed process” was “profoundly damaging and unfair” and had taken a “heavy” toll on him.

Viney was blindsided when the four-time premiership coach and his wife Caryn called on Wednesday to arrange a meeting with Kangaroos chief Jennifer Watt and Hood and announce his intention to step down.

He said Clarkson’s comments last week were a “window into his mindset”.

“You got a good feel for the animosity he’s got towards the Hawthorn Football Club; a club that he served for 17 years, four premierships, had such an influence on so many people within that footy club,” Viney said.

“For a process to unfold in such serious allegations to be had, and have no reply to that process has been enormously hurtful to him.”

It is unclear when Clarkson will return to North Melbourne, who have won just 11 of their past 70 games and are on a seven-game losing streak.

“We can’t tell whether that’s one week or six weeks – we’ll take that as it comes,” Viney said. “The No.1 priority will be for him to get fit and healthy again.

“I personally don’t [think he will lost to the game] but certainly that’s a possibility. I think that he just needs a little bit of time. And there’s no indication in any of the conversations yesterday that that was the end of Alastair Clarkson.”

Fantastic to see Sonja swinging a few punches; well done, shinboner spirit

 

[Ashley B]

M

You know it's serious when they're reporting live from Arden Street after everyone's gone home. Never know, one of the cleaners might give them the scoop

Hey,I’m a cleaner and you do get to hear and see things late into the night. Of course respect for others precludes you from discussing things you hear.

 

[Ashley B]

It’s interesting Jeff The Kennett talks as if he has nothing to do with any of this . I haven’t followed it closely enough but I find this very difficult to believe.

 

[Mav]

Fantastic to see Sonja swinging a few punches; well done, shinboner spirit

It was great to see JB setting her up to hit them out of the park. Could really see how angry JB is. Say what you want about the guy but he loves the club more than just about anyone.

 

[leighlee13]

He looked shattered in the presser at the club last week. It was obvious that he was struggling, just didn’t realise it was this bad.

I actually thought he was close to tears at the presser last week

 

[jimandphilbadge]

It’s interesting Jeff The Kennett talks as if he has nothing to do with any of this . I haven’t followed it closely enough but I find this very difficult to believe.

It's on brand for Jeff - he's always loved to blame but never accept responsibility.

 

[Kangapirate]

Completely disagree. He knew what he signed up for.

If he was barely sleeping 2 hours a night you'd have to question his sharpness as a coach. Its clear he hasnt been able to perform his duties to the best of his abilities and thats rubbed off on field.

 

[Ashley B]

It's on brand for Jeff - he's always loved to blame but never accept responsibility.

So he likes to throw people under the bus I see . Happens a lot in the corporate world especially. “I didn’t do it it wasn’t me”

 

[The acurate one]

I hope Hawthorn and kennet get ****ed with rusty razor wire over this s**t * them.

As I see it Al clarko will be awarded millions from the Hawks. They won’t be able to settle and will handover the keys.
Al clarko gets the club they merge with us and we remain the NMFC and at seasons end we can actually delist the 20 odd that are no good.

This is win/win in my book

 

[Samsquanch]

As I see it Al clarko will be awarded millions from the Hawks. They won’t be able to settle and will handover the keys.
Al clarko gets the club they merge with us and we remain the NMFC and at seasons end we can actually delist the 20 odd that are no good.

This is win/win in my book

As long as Kennett doesn't come as part of the deal.

 

[Val Keating]

If he was barely sleeping 2 hours a night you'd have to question his sharpness as a coach. Its clear he hasnt been able to perform his duties to the best of his abilities and thats rubbed off on field.

Agreed. The Hawks situation, and him unable to address it has warn him out so much that he can’t do what he loves, coaching.

A curse on them. Clarkson is ornament of the game, he deserves better, he’s earned it.

They won’t even let him defend himself, yet faceless accusers get to have their claims made without reprisal. It’s flat out disgusting.

 

[Forever North]

I mentioned many months ago that I’m friends with an ex Hawk who was there at the time. I’ll repeat the story. Said Clarkson was a hard arse coach but fair and decent. Definitely not some sort of scumbag racist as he has been portrayed by his enemies. He was amazed and shocked at the accusations but not the ‘motivation’ for them. We all know what thi$ i$ ultimately about unfortunately. He was happy to be interviewed by the investigators. If anything untoward was going on the senior players would 100% have known about it and stepped in. That‘s how footy clubs work he told me. Nothing is a secret, absolutely nothing.
It a ****ing disgrace how this has all panned out now. Clarko has been railroaded by those with nothing to lose and everything to gain. Weak and limp leadership from the AFL and Gil hiding behind a so called independent panel they put together to try and manufacture their preferred outcome. There is no compromise or bullshit mediation when you know you’ve done nothing wrong. Clarko has too many runs on the board to be used as some sort of door mat. I am so ****ing livid over this.

 

[SammyRoo]

Maybe Kane’s still offended by Clarko over this little gem

 

[KekiRoo]

Well, what a day - certainly a shock hearing the news. I'm glad though that he's putting his health first & foremost. I can't even imagine how tough it would have been for him these past 8 months with the investigation hanging over his head, no opportunity to say his side, whilst undertaking the challenge that is rebuilding our team on field.

The reaction from the peanut gallery has been what you'd expect. But all I know is when we rise again (and we will) the success will taste that much sweeter. The list of cluck-yous will be as long as the list of thank-yous.

 

[Dan]

At this point...the only mediation I would accept if I was Clarkson is if the accusers put to him and Fagan in person their claims about what happened.

Let's see if these individuals have the nerve & gumption to stick by their claims and then we'll see what's what.

 

[Hearts to hearts]

Sonja Hood Discusses Alastair Clarkson's Wellbeing After Taking Indefinite Leave

Sonja Hood Discusses Alastair Clarkson's Wellbeing After Taking Indefinite Leave

articles.listnr.com

Gosh that’s a good interview.

 

[Makeshift Park]

Gosh that’s a good interview.

Shes just so switched on.

 

[KekiRoo]

And oh yeah, if anybody from work is reading this, honestly, I've been working all day..I definitely wasn't reading this thread the whole time.
Honest.

 

[justroyal]

Good. I hope the chair he threw hit McDonald and Taylor.

 

[r_boy]

Shes a good human being, I would follow her

 

[Roostorm]

And oh yeah, if anybody from work is reading this, honestly, I've been working all day..I definitely wasn't reading this thread the whole time.
Honest.

Totally get it, same with me and phone on silent. Honest.
I wonder as l see that there is a suggestion of turning up to the game to show support on the 23 minute mark of the game this weekend which is excellent. Has anyone heard of or know if there is a way supporters who can’t get could be involved like sending in a photo to the club wearing their gear with a tag of maybe we stand with you, or #23 or something like that. Just a random thought.

 

[R00StaR]

As long as Kennett doesn't come as part of the deal.

I liked him as Premier but is being a flog atm.