Kevin Sheedy sparks AFL uproar after Roos to Tasmania remarks

Essendon legend Kevin Sheedy has come under fire from the AFL world over comments about sought-after coach Alastair Clarkson taking North Melbourne to Tasmania.

Clarkson - who coached Hawthorn to four AFL premierships - is the hottest free agent on the market, with Essendon and North Melbourne among the clubs said to be vying for his signature.

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The 54-year-old looked certain to be heading to Arden St next year but is weighing up late interest from the Bombers.

Ben Rutten's future as Essendon coach remains uncertain after board turmoil at Tullamarine resulted in David Barham replacing Paul Brasher as president.

Speaking about the situation and Essendon's reported interest in Clarkson, club legend Sheedy ruffled more than a few feathers after turning the discussion into a relocation plan for the Kangaroos.

“I think Clarkson could be perfect moving into North Melbourne, I wouldn’t be surprised, take ‘em down to Tasmania,” Sheedy said on FIVEaa radio.

“You don’t know what’s in other people’s thinking, do you?

“He’s been locked into Tasmania with the state government, and because everyone wants North Melbourne to move because we’ve got too many teams here.... too many teams in Melbourne, most people in Australia think that we do, so you just never know if Alastair says I’m looking a bit bigger picture than just going to coach a team in Melbourne.

“It could even involve Tasmania, you just don’t know.”

Sheedy's remarks have apparently left officials at North Melbourne fuming, with Caroline Wilson and Eddie McGuire discussing the drama on Channel Nine's Footy Classified.

“You and I both spoke to people at North Melbourne who are absolutely furious that Kevin Sheedy would be speaking about their club and Tasmania, and a situation so close to home for both clubs at the moment,” McGuire said.

“He’s lost the plot, Kevin,” Wilson replied.

“I don’t see that his role on the board is tenable after those comments.

“Matthew (Lloyd), you talk about quick fixes and little things that look good for the club (as problems) – putting Kevin on the board, to be brutal, was one of those.

“One of the greatest Essendonians ever, but he has not been a strong board member. He doesn’t support Ben Rutten.

“To go on a paid radio gig, and to suggest another club should move to Tasmania, I don’t think that’s what another board member should do. The North Melbourne board are furious, Essendon are really disappointed.”

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The Kangaroos have been exclusively dealing with Clarkson to be their replacement for David Noble, who was sacked in July.

Adams, who will lead the Kangaroos for the sixth and likely final time this Saturday, would love to see Clarkson return to the club where the 54-year-old began his football career back in 1987.

"I think it would be fantastic if he was to come to our footy club, but if he doesn't then we'll get the next best person in," Adams said on Wednesday.

"Whoever does end up getting the coaching job is going to get a pretty unique group that we feel has got some real talent and can get up the ladder.

"I'm not 100 per cent sure what (Clarkson's) weighing up but I know he's got some great people inside this footy club, not just players but our staff in here are fantastic.

"Hopefully it pulls on the heart strings a little bit that he was a former player here and he understands the culture and people within this place."

A decision on Clarkson's coaching future is expected to be announced on Thursday.

with AAP

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