Alastair Clarkson reveals pain he feels for coach’s caught up in ongoing saga

The AFL’s hottest commodity has spoken about the painful side of his coaching decision which has left two clubs on tenterhooks.

Alastair Clarkson on Ben Rutten

Alastair Clarkson has spoken about the painful side of his contract decision, revealing the embarrassing side of the ongoing saga.

Clarkson is expected to hand down his decision on Friday, with North Melbourne and Essendon eagerly awaiting to see if they have landed his services.

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The four-time premiership winning coach was reportedly said to have been on the verge of locking away a five-year contract to take the helm at North Melbourne.

But Essendon’s tumultuous week changed it all with the former Hawthorn coach interested in taking over the Bombers, according to reports.

Current Essendon coach Ben Rutten has faced an uncertain future all week long with a board meeting on Monday revealing he was still the coach … for now.

Clarkson addressed the ongoing media scrutiny and said he feels for the coaches of Essendon, North and GWS.

“It’s quite embarrassing, to be fair, to be such a central figure in all this,” Clarkson said.

“I’ve got enormous respect for the three guys involved in their clubs, Spike (Mark) McVeigh, Truck (Ben) Rutten and Patch (Leigh) Adams. They’re all terrific football people and they’re trying to do the right things by their clubs.

“And in particular the situation around Truck, you know, he’s still got a year of his contract to run. It’s quite embarrassing being the centre of attention, in a situation where it’s just so difficult for him and his club.

“I’d prefer to be able to get off the back page, I know full well this circus will end once I make a decision one way or the other. So the sooner I can do that the better.”

Rutten’s future has been up in the air since Monday. (Photo by Daniel Pockett/Getty Images)

Leigh Adams is the current interim coach at North. (Photo by Darrian Traynor/Getty Images)

Journalist Sam Edmund noted North was hoping for a decision on Wednesday, but were advised one would be given by Friday.

“North Melbourne had wanted an indication from Clarkson today. Clarkson gave them one – informing them he would give them an answer by the end of Friday. The Roos board met tonight. They remain solely committed to the four-time premiership coach,” Clarkson wrote.

Clarkson revealed he would be speaking with his family members before handing down exactly where he’ll be coaching from 2023 onwards.

“It’s a big step to come back into the AFL footy, with the sacrifices we’ve made as a family over a long period of time. We need to give that some due consideration,” he said.

“I’ve got a daughter in Brisbane and a son and daughter in Melbourne. We’d like the chance to be able 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 be in a much better position this time tomorrow.”

Originally published as Alastair Clarkson reveals pain he feels for coach’s caught up in ongoing saga