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'Move on': AFL club slammed over $60k Alastair Clarkson stoush

Andrew Reid
·3-min read
Pictured here, Alastair Clarkson speaks to his Hawthorn players during an AFL game.
Alastair Clarkson parted ways with Hawthorn after 17 seasons and four premierships with the club. Pic: Getty

AFL journalist Caroline Wilson has taken a swipe at Hawthorn over their messy split with former coach Alastair Clarkson and claims the club is unwilling to stump up a $60,000 payment he is reportedly owed.

The four-time AFL premiership-winning coach confirmed in July that he would be leaving the role he has occupied for the last 17 seasons.

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However, Wilson revealed on Channel Nine's Footy Classified on Monday night that Clarkson was still owed professional development money worth some $60,000, that she says the club is reluctant to part ways with.

“Hawthorn’s now saying that, because Alistair Clarkson is leaving the club, they will no longer benefit from his travel or education, so why should they pay it? Others would suggest they pay what was agreed,” Wilson told Channel Nine’s Footy Classified on Monday evening.

“I would suggest that Hawthorn sever what has been a largely brilliant partnership over a 17-year period with respect, as I said, and not quibble over $60,000 which will come back to haunt them.”

The show's co-host Craig Hutchison labelled the situation "extraordinary" and insisted Clarkson deserved anything he was entitled to after years of distinguished service at the club.

“$60,000 for a coach on the way out after four premierships and 17 years. You would think that would be a cheque they would write and move on from the era over a 17-year period,” Hutchison said.

Seen here, former Hawthorn coach Alastair Clarkson smiles during a training session.
Alastair Clarkson is reportedly still owed money from Hawthorn after his exit from the club. Pic: Getty (Michael Willson/AFL Photos via Getty Images)

Alastair Clarkson rules himself out of Carlton job

Clarkson was believed to be one of the front-runners to take over the Carlton coaching role after the Blues sacked David Teague last week.

However, the 53-year-old effectively ruled himself out of the race by declaring that he would be having a break from the sport in 2022.

“I’m just going to take a breather. Right at the present time, my commitment is to have a spell and see where 2023 will take me,” Clarkson said in July.

“It’s my turn to ride off into the sunset. I’m really excited about what the next chapter might be. I’ve got no idea what it will be. I am genuine in this.

“I don’t know if it will be in coaching or out of coaching, I don’t know if it’s in the AFL or out of the AFL, I don’t know if it’s in Australia or out of Australia. I am really excited about exploring that with my family and seeing where it takes me.”

With Clarkson out of the running, former Fremantle and St Kilda coach Ross Lyon is expected to be named Carlton's new coach some time this week.

Blues president Luke Sayers has already revealed he's had lengthy conversation with Lyon, in the wake of Teague's sacking.

Lyon coached the Saints to two losing grand finals and one drawn decider during his five seasons at the club.

He then took Fremantle to their one and only grand final in 2013, with the Dockers losing to Hawthorn.

with AAP

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