Alastair Clarkson coaching future: Ex-Hawks coach says no to Carlton but eyes 2023 return

Alastair Clarkson’s will be linked with a host of clubs in the next 12 months — but the master coach says he’s no guarantee to return. Here’s why.

Alastair Clarkson says he is likely to throw himself back into senior coaching in 2023 after resisting the temptation to drag Carlton back to respectability next year.

Clarkson said on Monday night he had been tempted to coach a former power club such as Carlton or Collingwood, saying their recent on-field struggles were exactly the reason to take on the challenge.

Clarkson will spend time with his family over the next 12 months as well as looking to pursue study opportunities overseas.

He also confirmed the Herald Sun’s exclusive report that he was keen to be part of a Tasmanian lobbying group that could by next August secure a 19th licence for the state’s stand-alone team.

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He told Fox Footy’s AFL 360 on Monday night there was also a chance he might decide after that 12-month sabbatical he never wanted to coach again.

“In 12 months I might find out I can’t recharge the batteries and can’t go again, but I think probably it’s in my DNA to coach again at the end of next year or the year after but I want to use the next 12 months to try to find that out,” he Clarkson.

“I might get to the end of the next 12 months and have enjoyed finding second and third gear and not having to go flat out and I want to keep it that way for a fair period if not the rest of my life.

Alastair Clarkson has knocked back the Blues. Picture: AFL Photos/Getty Image

“But I think it’s probably more likely I will get to July or August of next year and can’t wait to get back into it.”

It is a statement that could strike fear into the hearts of every coach out of contract next season.

While Adelaide’s Matthew Nicks, Greater Western Sydney’s Leon Cameron and Fremantle’s Justin Longmuir are likely to have their contracts extended past 2022 over summer, but Stuart Dew will be under pressure to extend his time at the Gold Coast and Chris Scott’s deal is up at Geelong.

Michael Voss’ grip is tightening on the Carlton coaching job. Picture: Getty Images

Clarkson said he now had a unique opportunity to pursue “three things” after 34 years playing and coaching AFL.

“Commit to my family and friends more,” he said.

“But also I want to do some study and if I can do it abroad — it’s a bit difficult in the circumstances — but if I can do that it would be great.

“And the other thing I would like to do is give something back to the game.

“I have been involved in clubland for 35 years as a player and coach and I have an interest in Tassie, I have had a long affiliation with Tassie through the affiliation with Hawthorn.

“I would like to see them having a team in the competition, if I can contribute in some small way.”

Clarkson spoke with new Carlton chief executive Brian Cook over the weekend and told him he was keen to coach the club but had to stick to his initial plan.

He said he needed to stick to his word that he would not coach a club next year after perceptions he had “backflipped” in leaving the Hawks despite his commitment to coach in 2022.

“I don’t want to backflip again,” he said.

“There is an element of trust and looking people in the eye despite the respect for Carlton and Collingwood.

“Both are not going well so why would you want to coach them?

“That is the reason you would want to coach them. Imagine getting a hold of them.

“It’s an exciting opportunity and the lure of doing that is significant but not strong enough to overpower what our thinking was in terms of the family and our friends at this period of time.”

Originally published as Alastair Clarkson coaching future: Ex-Hawks coach says no to Carlton but eyes 2023 return