Roos suffering AFL racism damage: Hood

Steve Larkin | October 14, 2022

North Melbourne is suffering collateral damage from the AFL racism row engulfing new coach Alastair Clarkson, president Sonja Hood says.

The Kangaroos believe Clarkson is still a chance to begin work as scheduled on November 1 as an independent panel investigates historic racism claims at his former club Hawthorn.

In a letter to North Melbourne members, Hood says the club is “taking an active role” in talks with the AFL about Clarkson’s start date.

“Although we can’t comment on the allegations or the AFL’s process, it’s important to note that the way events have unfolded over the past fortnight has created damage for our club and our people – our players (Indigenous and non-Indigenous), our staff, our members, and of course Alastair himself,” Hood wrote.

“Regardless of our next course of action, the club’s number one priority is to look after our people and we will continue to do that.

“The board is immensely grateful to our player leaders and the club’s executive team for the leadership role they have all played over a very difficult period for our club.

“We didn’t create this problem but it’s now ours to deal with and the unity and care in our response is a testament to our people.”

North appointed Clarkson on a five-year deal before historic racism claims were aired by the ABC last month.

The claims centre on Clarkson’s time at Hawthorn between 2005-21 with his then-football manager Chris Fagan also named in an ABC report alleging racist behaviour at the Hawks.

Clarkson and Fagan, who has taken leave from his role as Brisbane Lions coach, deny any wrongdoing.

The AFL has appointed a four-person independent panel to investigate the claims, which surfaced when Hawthorn reviewed their treatment of Indigenous players.

An investigation outcome is expected in December.

Clarkson has flown to Scotland with Collingwood assistant coach Brendon Bolton to spend time with soccer giant Celtic’s Australian manager Ange Postecoglou.

“I’ll be going to do a professional development trip overseas and I’m just relying on the AFL to let us know what’s going on with the investigation,” Clarkson told the Seven Network.

“We’ve said all along … we’re ready to defend ourselves at the earliest opportunity.”