In-demand coaching great Alastair Clarkson has broken his silence amid a frantic few days that have tied the four-time premiership mastermind to positions with both Essendon and North Melbourne.
Clarkson emerged as a shock candidate to potentially succeed contracted Essendon coach Ben Rutten at the Bombers from 2023, with a board blood spill on Monday prompting reports the former Hawks coach could be seen in favour of Rutten at Tullamarine.
The 54-year-old had already been heavily courted by the Roos and Giants in recent weeks, with the latter now understood to be out of the race for his services given Clarkson's preference to remain in Victoria.
The Roos have been steadfast in hoping to appoint Clarkson as their next senior coach, a move that has now been met with some doubt amid Essendon's reported interest.
While speculation continued to surround the former Hawks coach, Clarkson flew to South Australia for a personal matter.
"To be fair, what’s going on in my life at the present time is secondary to a tragedy that’s happened in the Caulfield Grammar community,” Clarkson told 7 News.
“I’m here to see a good friend of mine and then get myself back to Melbourne."
When questioned on the tug-of-war between the Bombers and Roos in regards to his signature, Clarkson noted he wasn't giving the saga much thought at the time.
Having also been linked to Port Adelaide throughout this season, Clarkson also looked to play down any chance his Adelaide venture was to speak with the Power.
“It’s secondary to what I’m dealing with in terms of my mates and what that community’s got to deal with, so we’ll keep everything in perspective,” Clarkson said.
"[Hinkley]'s still got 12 months on his job. I texted him tonight to let him know I’m coming across.”
Multiple reports have signalled a decision from Clarkson is yet to come as early as this weekend, with the Roos and Bombers both bracing for the champion coach's call.
According to Channel Nine's Eddie McGuire, Clarkson is 'moving quickly' on his choice while Rutten's immediate future remains a mystery.
“Clarko is now moving quickly to a decision," McGuire said.
"That's one of football's more shameful stories at the moment."
Caroline Wilson on the Bombers' treatment of Ben Rutten, as she and Eddie McGuire reveal the latest developments in the Alastair Clarkson saga.#9FootyClassified | Watch on @Channel9 pic.twitter.com/JBsOWBmCko
— Footy on Nine (@FootyonNine) August 17, 2022
“He’s still not 100 per cent to be coaching on the weekend, Ben Rutten,” McGuire said.
Essendon will end their 2022 campaign against Richmond on Saturday night, while the Roos and interim coach Leigh Adams will look to snatch their third win of the year when they host the Gold Coast Suns at Marvel Stadium earlier that day.
