Jeff Kennett says rivals clubs trying to poach Alastair Clarkson would be wasting their time

Rival clubs thinking they can pry Alastair Clarkson out of Hawthorn are dreaming, according to Hawks president Jeff Kennett, who says the master coach wants to ‘make the souffle rise’ again.

Alastair Clarkson has more to do at Hawthorn. Picture: Getty Images

Hawthorn boss Jeff Kennett says a poaching raid on master coach Alastair Clarkson would be a waste of time.

As Carlton and North Melbourne begin the search for senior coaches, Kennett on Thursday night declared Clarkson had eyes only for the Hawks and his burning ambition “to make the souffle rise three times”.

CLICK HERE TO SUBSCRIBE TO THE SUPERFOOTY PODCAST

“I know him well and I can assure you Alastair Clarkson will be going nowhere until he achieves what he wants to achieve at Hawthorn,” Kennett told the Herald Sun.

“I have not discussed it with Alastair and he has not discussed it with me (the vacancies at Arden St and Princes Park) and I think that is a sign that we both know each other and respect each other.

“Alastair signed a four-year contract with us and I know one thing that Alastair is very strong on is honouring commitments given.

“I have no doubt that the thing that drives him at the moment — and the thing that drives the club, but particularly Alastair — is delivering a premiership or more as part of a third cycle.

SUPERCOACH: ARE YOU MAKING THE RIGHT TRADES?

TEAMS: SEE WHO MADE THE CUT FOR ROUND 12

NOT HAPPY: INSIDE THE BUCKLEY V MICK FEUD

“He came to Hawthorn in 2004 and he got a premiership in 2008.

“We dropped away after that because of injury initially and then he came back and won in 2013, ’14 and ’15.

“Now Alastair wants to deliver another piece of silverware to Hawthorn. And whether that is this year, next year or the year after doesn’t matter — that is his objective.”

Jeff Kennett says Alastair Clarkson isn’t going anywhere. Picture: Getty Images

Carlton sacked coach Brendon Bolton on Monday, while North, which parted with Brad Scott two weeks ago, said money would be no impediment to finding a replacement.

“Good luck to them,” Kennett said. “Go out there and offer the world, but money isn’t the thing that is going to drive Alastair Clarkson — it’s delivering.

“He’s the most experienced coach in the competition, perhaps in any competition, because of the sorts of stuff he does at the end of every year to go and renew his own knowledge about clubs and sport right around the world.

“He comes back refreshed, he comes back with new ideas. He is a very, very professional coach … and teacher.

“He is driven and wants the souffle to rise three times.

“They said it would never rise twice in politics — well it’s risen twice in football for Alastair — and he wants the souffle to rise a third time.”

Originally published as Jeff Kennett says rivals clubs trying to poach Alastair Clarkson would be wasting their time