A week after being named in an array of harrowing allegations surrounding events that took place under his watch at Hawthorn, former Hawks head coach and current Kangaroos steward Alastair Clarkson has gone on the offensive.
After initially agreeing to a delayed start to his tenure at Arden Street and claiming he would be compliant with ongoing investigations into the matter, Clarkson spoke again on Wednesday, stressing that certain lines of reporting may have "irrevocably corrupted" said inquiries.
As reported by Russell Jackson of ABC Sports during grand final week, three anonymous former members of Hawthorn's roster allege that staff members - including Alastair Clarkson and Chris Fagan - played active roles in displacing them from their families, fraying their relationships, cruelling their mental health and/or hindering pregnancies, including requests for termination.
And while Clarkson has professed his innocence in the matter, stating a duty of care to his players was always paramount during his days at Bungil Bagora, the 54-year-old's manner was altered during his latest statement.
Via his management group, DSEG, Clarkson opted to take aim at certain factions, claiming recent reports professing to leak confidential documents had the ability to derail proceedings.
looks on during the round 14 AFL match between the Sydney Swans and the Hawthorn Hawks at the Sydney Cricket Ground on June 21, 2019 in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Ryan Pierse/Getty Images)
"Since learning of the allegations first reported in the media last Wednesday, I have been shocked and deeply distressed," Clarkson began.
"It remains profoundly disappointing that these matters are now being widely canvassed in the public domain without the opportunity being given to me or others to give our accounts or even read the Hawthorn report, which to this day I have not seen.
"The further recent publication of purported extracts from the report means I now have grave concerns that any chance of a fair process and a just outcome have been seriously undermined, if not irrevocably corrupted.
"The failure to maintain the confidentiality of the review and further damaging public speculation means I have no option but to express publically, in the strongest and most emphatic terms possible, that I did not behave in the manner claimed."
Clarkson went on to reiterate his previous stance that the health and well-being of his previous rosters were of the highest value to him, including players from First Nations backgrounds.
"I believe the genuine affection I held for all the players who walked through the doors into Hawthorn is well known. I have always appreciated and respected the unique journeys of the First Nations players into the highest echelons of Australian Rules Football. I have committed to acknowledging and understanding their many varied experiences and brought all my efforts to ensuring these players are given the opportunity to realise their dreams. But not at any cost, and never at the cost of their families as has been alleged. Any suggestion to the contrary is false and deeply offensive."
The four-time premiership coach went on to profess those within his inner sanctum were aware of his values and that he held a "respect" for the rights of his former players to speak their truths.
"People who know me will understand how important family is to me. I have always carried this value into every organisation I have worked with," Clarkson added.
"I acknowledge how difficult it is for any player, and in particular First Nations players to tell their stories about deeply personal matters and I respect every player that has spoke to either the ABC or Phil Ega as part of the Hawthorn Football Club process. Every person has their story and the right to tell it."
Yet, Clarkson was happy to contend that his version of events remained altered from those already published and presented, stressing that "further steps" toward defending his name could well be taken.
"However, as the allegations against me have been spread widely and sometimes presented as indisputable matters of fact, I must state that my clear memory of the matters reported is very different.
"I will continue to cooperate with the AFL and I am trying to retain my trust that it will put in place a fair, respectful and supportive process for all involved. However, I will not hesitate to take further steps to protect my position and reputation should that be necessary."
Clarkson was originally slated to commence his tenure as the new head coach of North Melbourne on November 1, however, the Kangaroos announced last week that the decorated leader would be facing a delayed start.
