Brisbane coach Chris Fagan has detailed his surprise and disappointment at seeing Hawthorn counterpart Alastair Clarkson effectively forced out of the AFL club.
Fagan was one of Clarkson’s right-hand men in the Hawks’ football department during a golden era that delivered four premierships, before moving to the Lions at the end of 2016.
The pair locked horns on Sunday in Launceston, where Hawthorn produced a stunning 12-point upset of finals-bound Brisbane to move away from the bottom of the ladder.
It came after the Hawks ended weeks of speculation on Friday by confirming Clarkson will leave the club at the end of the season and hand the reins to Sam Mitchell.
“It’s an interesting situation they find themselves in,” Fagan said.
“I would’ve thought of all the coaches in the AFL that the one guy that might’ve had the opportunity to go out on his terms and with a little bit of dignity would have been Clarko.
“But it seems from a distance that hasn’t been the case.
“I hope he’s not lost to footy, he’s a brilliant coach and his team played for him today.”
Fagan said he has “enormous respect” for Clarkson and is “sad to see” one of the greatest coaches of the modern era won’t continue at Hawthorn.
The Hawks are replacing Clarkson with former midfield champion Mitchell, who has been an assistant coach at West Coast and Hawthorn since retiring from playing in 2017.
Mitchell has also been in charge of VFL team Box Hill.
Hawthorn have been heavily criticised for their handling of Clarkson’s departure after 17 seasons at the helm.
“I’m not there so I don’t know all the inner workings, I’m only making an observation from a distance, but it just seems to me it could have happened in a better way,” Fagan said.
Goalsonly
Roar Rookie
Smart play by Kennett. Saves money, generational change. Now Mitchell owes him. Too smart by half. Kennett has signed his own.....
Boo
Guest
Clarkson has spoilt many moments as a Geelong supporter regardless he is a great coach who should have exited on his terms .Mitchell has a hard road to hoe with the state of the Hawks list .
Brendon the 1st
Roar Rookie
I just want it to blow up because Kennett is a t00l.
Don Freo
Roar Rookie
It will certainly be difficult for the club to give him a genuine, appropriate, fond farewell unless it happens when Jeff is otherwise occupied.
okapiman
Roar Rookie
Any criticism of Fagan is comical. Clarko, love him or hate him is the best coach of the modern era. Likely still the best coach in the comp today. Not sure where Clarko lands but I am confident that the Hawks will not beat that team for years... even if it is Gold Coast.. Kennett is the one that needs to go.. he is a shocker.. all about his ego that man..
DingoGray
Roar Guru
Get on the phone Chris, get him North. What I saw yesterday you need some serious help in terms tactical nous now Noble at North
Chanon
Roar Rookie
Bloody disgraceful! Kennett’s mindfulness has clearly been removed in this aspect & for all the good work he has done with Beyond Blue his ethos has been clearly imploded in this disaster. Clarko is a tough character but he would clearly would be hurt by this debacle & in a quite moment l’m sure he would feel deserted especially for all the great service he has done for the Mighty Hawks. All the best in your future endeavours to the great man in Clarko!