North Melbourne coach Alastair Clarkson is taking leave from the club to focus on his health and wellbeing, effective immediately.
The club confirmed on Thursday morning that Clarkson has stepped away from his duties for the time being amid the ongoing Hawthorn racism investigations.
Kangaroos president Sonja Hood said the club is supporting their senior coach through a difficult period.
โThe club is providing its full support to Alastair and we commend him for making this important decision to put his health first,โ Hood said in a club statement.
โEveryone involved has been deeply affected by the Hawthorn investigation and the burden on Alastair has been significant.ย
โWe will give Alastair whatever time he needs to restore his health and look forward to welcoming him back when he is fully fit.ย
โWe have strong leaders at our club who will step up and support and coach our team while Alastair spends time focusing on his health."
The Roos have recorded two wins from their seven matches under Clarkson to start the 2023 season.
North Melbourne assistant Brett Ratten will take on the interim coaching duties while Clarkson is away from the club.
โWe are fortunate to have someone of Brett Ratten's experience and capability to coach the team in the interim," Hood said.
Speaking to media on Thursday, North football boss Todd Viney said there was no timeline for Clarkson's return but reiterated the club's support of their coach.
"He felt that he just couldn't do it anymore," Viney said.
"There's been no timeframe to talk about when he's coming back. It's our firm belief that he will be back this year.
"We've spoken with the players today ... they are feeling for their coach. Their number one priority is to make sure he knows he's got their support and they just want him to get better."
Viney also spoke on the ongoing investigation, urging the involved parties to come to a resolution.
"This was supposed to be finished up before Christmas. Here we are, still dealing with it. People's wellbeing and health have been affected by it. So lets get together and work it out and get it done," Viney said.
Brisbane Lions coach Chris Fagan released a statement of his hours after Clarkson's decision was announced, with the former Hawthorn football boss and assistant throwing his support behind his former colleague.
Fagan said the ongoing investigation that has surrounded both Clarkson and himself has developed into a "deeply flawed process" that has left a "heavy toll" on those involved.
"I am saddened by the decision of my friend and colleague Alastair Clarkson to step away from his role at North Melbourne indefinitely," the statement read.
"I was fortunate to work with Clarko for almost nine years, and I have known him for much longer than this. I know him to be a person of very good character who has had an overwhelmingly positive influence on the lives of the young men he has coached. The football community is immeasurably better off with Clarko in it.
"The deeply flawed process that we have been subjected to has taken a heavy toll. It has been profoundly damaging and unfair. It is my hope that it will very soon come to an appropriate end. In the meantime, Clarko's physical and mental wellbeing must come first. I extend my very best wishes to him, Caryn and his family.
"Out of respect for Clarko, I do not intend to make further public comment."
The AFL Coaches Association also addressed Clarkson's decision to step away amid the investigations, further stressing the importance of reaching a resolution.
"The entire AFL coaching group is thinking of Alastair Clarkson today," AFLCA CEO Alistair Nicholson said.
"AFL coaching is a high stress job and the AFLCA has offered Alastair its support as he steps away from the game for his mental health and wellbeing.
"Today's announcement underscores the importance of expediting the investigation into the Hawthorn issue for all parties involved.
"It has taken too long and is taking a significant toll on those at the centre of the issue."
