Alastair Clarkson

Clarkson speaks on interest in Blues and Magpies vacancies

“The lure of actually coaching one of those clubs was significant for me.”

Published by
Mitch Keating

Departed Hawthorn coach Alastair Clarkson has spoken on the desire and attraction to coach the Blues and Magpies.

Both Carlton and Collingwood have undergone the processes to find a new senior coach this off-season, with the latter having appointed Clarkson's assistant in Craig McRae as their new leading man.

The departures of both Clarkson and McRae have seen the Hawks flip their coaching roster for 2022, which will be led by club great Sam Mitchell following a memorable coaching handover at Waverley.

The end of Clarkson's tenure soon had the Blues and Magpies on alert, however the four-time premiership coach has stated on multiple occasions he won't be part of the AFL coaching landscape next season.

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - DECEMBER 07: Craig McRae the assistant coach of the Hawks looks on during a Hawthorn Hawks AFL pre-season training session at Waverley Park on December 07, 2020 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Quinn Rooney/Getty Images)

The call soon had the Magpies turn their attention to McRae, while Carlton have appointed Port Adelaide assistant Michael Voss as their new senior coach.

With interest in Clarkson finally fading, the coaching great has spoken on the enticing prospect of managing two of the competition's biggest clubs.

Clarkson reflected on his childhood and the prominent position the Blues and Magpies formerly had in the league.

“When we were kids, Carlton and Collingwood were two of the most dominant clubs in the competition. They’re just battling a little bit at the present time, but they’re going to grow and become great clubs again," Clarkson told SEN on Thursday.

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - APRIL 14: Alastair Clarkson, Senior Coach of the Hawks looks on during the 2019 AFL round 04 match between the St Kilda Saints and the Hawthorn Hawks at Marvel Stadium on April 14, 2019 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Dylan Burns/AFL Photos/Getty Images)

“For a kid that grew up in West Wimmera and held those clubs on such a pedestal, the lure of actually coaching one of those clubs was significant for me."

The 53-year-old stated that the stars didn't quite align for a move to either Ikon Park or the Holden Centre, but the prospect to eventually return to coaching is likely to be alive next year.

“At some point in time, I’m certain I’m going to miss it (coaching) at different stages," Clarkson added. 

"The timing wasn’t right.

MELBOURNE, VICTORIA - SEPTEMBER 06: Hawks head coach Alastair Clarkson looks on during the AFL First Qualifying Final match between the Richmond Tigers and the Hawthorn Hawks at Melbourne Cricket Ground on September 6, 2018 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Michael Dodge/AFL Media/Getty Images)

"I’ve got to have 12 months off and see if I can recharge the batteries for AFL footy or explore another opportunity that might be out there."

Clarkson's tenure with the Hawks ended after 17 seasons with the club, recording four premierships and a winning rate of 58.97% over the course of 390 matches.

Published by
Mitch Keating