Alastair Clarkson says goodbye to North Melbourne indefinitely as club says coach’s health has been hammered by an investigation into claims of racism at Hawthorn
- Coach shocks AFL with announcement
- Investigations into racism have wreaked havoc on his health
- No timeline given for his return
North Melbourne coach Alastair Clarkson is taking an indefinite leave from the club and AFL.
The Kangaroos released a statement on Thursday following the development of the bomb.
“With immediate effect, North Melbourne Football Club senior coach Alastair Clarkson will be leaving the club to focus on his physical and emotional wellbeing,” the statement said.
“The club’s current assistant coach and former senior coach of the AFL, Brett Ratten, will assume the role of senior coach in the meantime.”
Clarkson remains part of an ongoing investigation into allegations of racism made by a number of First Nations players during his time as coach at Hawthorn from 2005-2021.
North Melbourne coach Alastair Clarkson is taking an indefinite leave from the club and AFL
The club’s current assistant coach and former AFL senior coach Brett Ratten (pictured right) will take over as interim
Clarkson has maintained his innocence, but last week he killed the Hawks after still not being entitled to an answer.
The allegations first surfaced eight months ago.
North Melbourne president Sonja Hood said the club is “fully supportive” of Clarkson.
“The club fully supports Alastair and we commend him for taking this important decision to put his health first,” said Hood.
“Everyone involved has been deeply affected by the Hawthorn investigation and the burden on Alastair has been significant.
“We will give Alastair all the time he needs to recover and we look forward to welcoming him back when he is fully fit again.
“We have strong leaders at our club who will support and coach our team, while Alastair devotes time to his health.
“We are fortunate to have someone with Brett Ratten’s experience and ability to coach the team in the meantime.”