North Melbourne confirms that head coach Alastair Clarkson will return next week after taking time away from the club to deal with Hawthorn racism investigation
- Alastair Clarkson will soon return to Arden St, club confirmed
- Brett Ratten to remain as Kangaroos’ head coach for 2023
- Clarkson, 55, took leave in May to focus on mental well-being
- Followed the Hawthorn racism saga, Clarkson later cleared by AFL
North Melbourne has confirmed Alastair Clarkson’s return to the club next week – where he will be eased back into the fold.
In a statement released on Friday, the Kangaroos said Brett Ratten will remain as head coach.
It comes after Clarkson, 55, went on leave in mid-May to focus on mental well-being in the wake of the Hawthorn racism investigation, which were first raised via an ABC report last September.
The four-time premiership winning mentor – along with Chris Fagan and Jason Burt – vehemently denied any wrongdoing.
Following a lengthy investigation, the AFL made no findings against the coaches.
North Melbourne have confirmed Alastair Clarkson’s return to the AFL club next week
Clarkson (pictured, with Blake Drury) took over as Kangaroos head coach ahead of the 2023 season before taking leave in May to focus on his well-being in the wake of the Hawthorn racism saga
The Kangaroos confirmed on Friday in a statement Brett Ratten will remain as head coach this season
‘We are pleased that Alastair has been able to get the support he needs to return to the club and work towards doing what he loves most and does best – coach the team,’ club president Sonja Hood said.
‘We’ve had some really good dialogue with Alastair and we’re all comfortable he’s ready to make a return into the football department ahead of getting back in the senior coach’s chair later this season.
‘In the meantime, Brett Ratten and the rest of the coaching group will continue to lead and develop the playing group.
‘It’s also really important to acknowledge the work Brett, Todd Viney and the rest of the footy department have done in Alastair’s absence so that his return will be as smooth as possible.’
On Thursday, Ratten confirmed he had been in contact with Clarkson.
‘I did catch up with Clarko the other day and he was up and about, with a smile on his face and really positive,’ he said.
‘We were just talking footy, which is good. ‘The progress of the kids puts a smile on his face.’
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