Alastair Clarkson hopes to be in a better position to announce his future coaching plans on Friday, admitting the furore surrounding him is “shameful”.
But the Kangaroos have begun looking for alternatives to the four-time premiership coach, The Age reports, while Essendon’s new chairman will address the playing group on Friday.
Clarkson’s decision remains the hottest topic in the AFL, with North Melbourne and Essendon chasing his services and expecting a decision at the weekend.
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The situation has increased the pressure on Firemen manager Ben Rutten, with his club’s board chasing Clarkson, but he is unwilling to officially sack the man hired to manage them until at least the end of next season.
The Age reports that Dave Barham, who took over from Paul Brasher as Fire chairman earlier in the week and has been driving Clarkson’s push, has already spoken to Rutten and the team’s leadership group.
He will speak to the players more extensively on Friday “to clear the air” ahead of Saturday night’s game against Richmond.
Meanwhile, the Kangaroos are doing background checks on coaching options other than Clarkson, focusing on those with senior experience, the report said, “likely” namely Leon Cameron, Ross Lyon and potentially Ken Hinkley despite the latter’s repeated denials that he will leave Port. Adelaide
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Speaking to reporters at Adelaide Airport on Thursday afternoon, Clarkson said he felt for the GWS, Essendon and North Melbourne coaches.
“It’s pretty embarrassing, to be fair, to be such a central figure in all of this,” Clarkson told reporters at Adelaide Airport on Thursday.
“I have enormous respect for the three guys involved at their clubs, Spike (Mark) McVeigh, Truck (Ben) Rutten and Patch (Leigh) Adams. They’re all fantastic footballers and trying to do the right thing with their clubs.
“And in particular the situation around Truck, you know, he still has a year of contract to run. It’s quite embarrassing to be the center of attention, in a situation where it’s so difficult for him and his club .
“I’d rather be able to get off the last page, I know very well that this circus will end when I make a decision one way or the other. So the sooner I can do it, the better.”
Melbourne coach Simon Goodwin has also spoken out about Rutten’s plight, calling the Firemen’s treatment of their manager “pretty bad”.
But a decision is looming with Clarkson planning to discuss it with his management and family on Thursday night.
“It’s a big step back into AFL football, with the sacrifices we’ve made as a family over a long period of time. We have to take that into account,” he said.
“I’ve got a daughter in Brisbane and a son and daughter in Melbourne. We’d love the chance to sit down with them tonight and get their thoughts.
“But I’ll only do that after I’ve spoken to my management. Then hopefully we’ll be in a much better position this time tomorrow.”