North Melbourne coach Alastair Clarkson has linked the ongoing pressure from his team’s struggles and the unresolved Hawthorn racism saga to a heated outburst on the bench, while confirming his return to coaching from the box for the remainder of the season. Clarkson also noted that he is “making progress” with a sports psychologist to manage his emotions, following an incident where he avoided sanction for a profanity-laden outburst during a game against Port Adelaide in round 11. He admitted to the use of foul language, which was heard by various parties including officials, security, and spectators, and issued an apology, acknowledging it as “undisciplined” behavior in a club statement.
Making his first public statement on the issue on Thursday, Clarkson, who had previously received a suspended two-week ban and a $20,000 fine for directing a homophobic slur at St Kilda’s Jimmy Webster during the pre-season, expressed the mounting pressure he felt due to the winless season and the unresolved racism investigation potentially escalating to the Federal Court.
North Melbourne coach Alastair Clarkson has been sanctioned and slapped with a hefty fine by the AFL over an ugly verbal altercation with St Kilda's Jimmy Webster. pic.twitter.com/GKSIAiizdj
— 10 News First Melbourne (@10NewsFirstMelb) March 8, 2024
Despite denials from both Clarkson and Brisbane Lions coach Chris Fagan regarding allegations made by former Hawthorn players, the matter remains unresolved due to unsuccessful mediation attempts. “Without a doubt, we can’t ignore the significant pressure ‘Fages’ (Chris Fagan) and I have faced over the past 18 months,” Clarkson stated on Thursday.
The accumulation of stressors often goes unnoticed until one finds themselves in an emotional state, prompting reactions. “The most effective way to prevent this is to steer clear of significant emotional involvement, which is probably better achieved from the coach’s box rather than the bench,” Clarkson explained. “While the optimal vantage point for observing the game is from above, ground level remains the ideal location for effective communication. It’s easy to become entangled in the emotions of the game… I believe it’s appropriate for me to remain in the box for the remainder of the season.”
