North Melbourne to ‘delay’ Alastair Clarkson’s tenure as coach

Alastair Clarkson won’t start work as North Melbourne coach as first-planned, with the Roos “delaying” the start of his tenure as a result of explosive allegations aimed at him during his time at Hawthorn.

Clarkson was due to start at North Melbourne on November 1.

The Roos released a statement confirming the news on Wednesday afternoon.

The North Melbourne Football Club is aware of serious historical allegations made against individuals who worked at the Hawthorn Football Club, including incoming North Melbourne coach Alastair Clarkson.

The matters raised are now with the AFL’s Integrity Unit and Alastair welcomes the opportunity to co-operate with any investigation relating to the claims. 

Alastair was due to commence work with North Melbourne on November 1 however he will delay the start of his tenure to allow time to fully participate in the investigation. 

Given the matters raised are confidential and the investigation is ongoing, the club will not provide any further comment at this time.

Clarkson released a statement of his own a short time later.

The health, care and welfare of our players, staff and their families were always my highest priorities during my time at Hawthorn Football Club.

I was therefore shocked by the extremely serious allegations reported in the media earlier today. I was not interviewed by the authors of the report commissioned by the club, and nor have I been provided with a copy of the report.

I was not afforded any due process and I refute any allegation of wrongdoing or misconduct and look forward to the opportunity to be heard as part of the AFL external investigation.

I have today contacted the president of North Melbourne Football Club and we have mutually agreed that I will step back from my responsibilities at the club so I can fully cooperate in the investigation.

(Photo by Jonathan DiMaggio/AFL Photos/via Getty Images)

North Melbourne to ‘delay’ Alastair Clarkson’s tenure as coach