Alastair Clarkson has today confirmed reports from The Age and AFL.com.au that he will step down as Hawthorn coach at the end of this season.
At a hastily-organised press conference, Clarkson admitted the club’s performance had been “nowhere near” the level expected and that club needed “fresh air” from next season onwards.
He felt that having two coaches in charge would lead to a disjointed message in 2022 and that it’d be unfair on Sam Mitchell and the playing group.
Clarkson said the club had a “lot of hard work to do” to get back to the level they want to be at and that they didn’t want to “tread water” for 12 months.
The four-time premiership initially shot down any rumours of him moving into a new coaching role next season – but did leave the possibility of a new job in 2023 open and then eventually admitted he would be allowed to coach elsewhere next season and appeared to allude he would do so if “a really great offer” materialised.
A meeting between senior players and club management on Wednesday reportedly saw the players inform management the situation was crumbling and that Clarkson and Mitchell could no longer work together amicably.
Clarkson’s relationship with colourful club president Jeff Kennett and CEO Justin Reeves has also reportedly deteriorated.
The Hawks had previously announced a succession plan that would see Clarkson leave the Hawks at the end of next season, with club legend Sam Mitchell to ascend to the role full-time beginning in 2023.
But the wisdom of that plan was questioned almost immediately by many in the media, none more so Age reporter and Footy Classified panelist Caroline Wilson. She reported early on that the succession plan had caused friction between Clarkson, Mitchell and the playing group and that mediation sessions had to be held almost immediately.
Despite being heavily criticised for her reports, Wilson stood by them and now appears to have been vindicated.
The Roar’s own Cameron Rose said that if Mitchell was indeed the right man for the job, there was little point waiting until 2023 to pull the trigger.
Clarkson has long been the speculation of rumours elsewhere, too. Collingwood are looking for a full time replacement for Nathan Buckley, while Carlton are also currently performing a review of David Teague’s position.
Clarkson joined Hawthorn way back in 2005, having previously served as an assistant coach under Mark Williams in Port Adelaide’s premiership-winning 2004 team.
In an incredible sign of his tenure, his last game as Port Adelaide assistant was Damien Hardwick’s last game as a player. Hardwick will become the longest current-tenured coach when Clarkson departs.
After two tough years lifting an inexperienced Hawks side off the bottom of the ladder, they burst onto the scene with a run to the semi-finals in 2007.
They stunned the footy world with an incredible upset of Geelong in the 2008 grand final, but regressed badly after that – missing the finals altogether in 2009 and exiting in the first week in 2010.
A narrow preliminary final loss in 2011 and a heartbreaking grand final defeat in 2012 led to speculation Kennett would move Clarkson on, but the coach cemented his status as a legend of the game after that by delivering three consecutive premierships.
They finished in the top four in 2016 and looked a real chance of nabbing a historic fourth straight flag, but went out in straight sets and never won a final again in Clarko’s reign.
They dropped to 12th in 2017 before rebounding back into the top four in 2018 – but again went out in straight sets.
2019 saw them finish ninth, before a return to the bottom four last season. Hawthorn currently sit 17th on the ladder, only nine percentage points out of last.
Geebee
Roar Rookie
So much for 'my word is my bond' just 2 weeks ago by Clarko. He maybe should have added 'Terms & Conditions may apply!' Surely Kennett needs to go too with the absolute fiasco he has made of Hawthorn?
justif01
Guest
To be fair Clarkson hasn't got the playing group he had during the halcyon premiership years. The top half dozen players are good but it's the mid range now where the Hawks lack depth and senior experience. Whilst Hartigan and Frost are serviceable their defence is a bit short on talent without Sicily and Grainger-Barass being a first year player.
Donmac
Roar Rookie
I cannot see Clarkson at Collingwood next year, in fact I will be surprised if he is at any club next year, I think he might take the year off to recharge the battery. Should that eventuate it will be very interesting to see what both Collingwood and Carlton do in relation to appointing new coaches particularly if Clarko indicates he intends returning in 2023.
Worlds Biggest
Guest
Co-coaches rarely works in any sport. Why wouldn’t the Club tell Clarkson they are handing over the reigns next year and honour his contract in full still. He goes on gardening leave for a year and new coach can get on with it.
Curmudgeon1961
Roar Rookie
Well they dont have a coach now
AdamDilligafThompson
Roar Rookie
lmfao. Hey a wins a win plus if you lose well its sfa anyway isn't it, people spend more than that on coffees or avocados spread on toast.lol.
Brendon the 1st
Roar Rookie
Lol, seems I do th Was only $5 but was paying $16.50
RT
Roar Rookie
Why in disgrace?
RT
Roar Rookie
Dermie seems to have a chip on his shoulder about Caro. I heard his kite flying claims in an interview on SEN and they basically scoffed at him.
Irie
Roar Rookie
Kennett needs to go. The damage he has, and will continue to inflict, will cause more problems on the field than any change in the coach
IDeals22
Roar Rookie
"Kite-flying" as Dermot put it, is just taking a punt on a possible outcome. It's a coin toss that may come down your way. That doesn't necessaily mean that there was a leak. For example predicting an unlikely winner in a game may happen. It wins over the gullible but it's guessing not reporting.
Chanon
Roar Rookie
I hope so
Don Freo
Roar Rookie
But more often, as incisive as a surgeon's knife. Very entertaining, too. Smith would be a good team man.
Peter the Scribe
Roar Guru
Richards? No thanks.
Chanon
Roar Rookie
:laughing: Crazy Peter l guess your next player on the dogs hit list is Richards hope he stays at dogs :laughing:
Mr Right
Roar Rookie
I agree, taking a year off now would probably extend his time in coaching. He needs a year off.
Peter the Scribe
Roar Guru
Pick 75 for Roughy. A great pick up.
Kick to Kick
Roar Rookie
Who knows unless you’ve worked with the bloke but the gossip is that Mitchell is a gifted tactician and football brain but unforgiving, with limited people skills. If true it’s hard to make that work in rebuilding a club that’s now in an emotional crisis and at the bottom of the ladder.
Kick to Kick
Roar Rookie
In my view he’d be well advised to take a year off - enjoy the payout, maybe do a little media and expand his intellectual and coaching horizons beyond clubland. The record of spurned master coaches bouncing to another team immediately isn’t great. Think Pagan and Malthouse - though that may just be an argument for avoiding Carlton.
Clear as mud
Guest
That why we we have to push harder