Alastair Clarkson has turned down approaches from clubs and will take a break from the AFL next year, the master coach’s manager says.
Key points:
- The Blues were expected to sack David Teague if Clarkson wanted the job
- Collingwood had shown interest in Clarkson after sacking Nathan Buckley
- Clarkson coached his final game this season, a year earlier than expected
The four-time Hawthorn premiership coach has been in hot demand since his exit from the Hawks after 17 years at the helm was announced.
Collingwood need a replacement for Nathan Buckley, while Carlton were expected to sack David Teague if Clarkson wanted the Blues job.
But Clarkson’s manager James Henderson has officially ruled the 53-year-old out of landing at another club in 2022.
“He (Clarkson) is fully committed to taking the year off to spend time with his family and to undertake further study and personal development opportunities,” a statement read.
“Henderson confirmed that he had received approaches from some AFL clubs this week but had not advanced any of those discussions.”
Despite always indicating he would take a break next year, there was a belief among those who knew Clarkson best that he would struggle to be out of the competitive AFL environment for too long.
Clarkson coached his final game at Hawthorn last Saturday, a year earlier than initially planned after the Hawks’ botched succession plan involving Sam Mitchell.
AAP
Source: AFL NEWS ABC
