Craig Bellamy and Alastair Clarkson share friendship in and outside the coaching box

ON the night the NRL’s most esteemed coach was guiding Melbourne Storm to the minor premiership, the AFL’s most successful current-day coach was standing just over his shoulder.

Storm coach Craig Bellamy is firneds with Alastair Clarkson. Picture: Getty Images

ON the night the NRL’s most esteemed coach was guiding Melbourne Storm to the minor premiership, the AFL’s most successful current-day coach was standing just over his shoulder.

Hawthorn coach Alastair Clarkson — parked at the back of a cramped AAMI Park coaches’ box for Storm’s clash with Cronulla a fortnight ago — took it all in as he observed Craig Bellamy in his natural habitat.

It immediately posed the question — has there ever been two more successful Australian sporting masterminds in one coaches’ box at the same time?

Clarkson, enjoying the benefit of the AFL’s pre-season bye, used the rare weekend off to enter Storm’s inner sanctum.

As well as the box, he also eagerly attended Bellamy’s pre-game and post-game talk to his players.

He may have four premierships to his name, but he’s still always learning.

This was no one-off token invite.

The two men, who share a staggering seven grand final wins between them, have struck up a unique friendship after meeting through Storm communication boss and former Hawthorn staffer Sarah Kalaja five years ago.

Melbourne Storm coach Craig Bellamy, like his AFL counterpart, is a revered figure in coaching circles. Picture: Michael Klein

Sitting at the top of their respective codes’ coaching totem pole, they have been known to share a coffee together when time allows.

“I really enjoy his company and I think he’s a terrific fella,” Bellamy said of Clarkson.

“But, to be honest, it can be hard to meet up because of how busy we both are.

“But when we do, we talk a little bit about both shop and life in general.

“We’ve certainly spoken about a few philosophies every now and then and there might be a few issues that have happened for him or myself at the time and we go through that.

“We probably don’t do it as much as we’d like to.”

On the night Clarkson recently visited Storm, the Hawks’ mentor joined Storm leadership coach and former Collingwood premiership skipper Nick Maxwell on the Storm bench before the game.

Maxwell, who has been at Storm for almost two years now, said Clarkson was a regular fixture at the club.

“He’s been good mates with Craig for a long time and they go back a bit,” Maxwell said.

“I was chatting to him before the game and at half-time, mostly just about some of the detailed things that had been raised in the meetings and exactly what they meant.

“Clarko has that relationship (with Craig and Storm) so he’s been around for awhile.”

Bellamy, a Hawthorn supporter, has also been known to attend Hawks games and has sat in the box with Clarkson in the past.

Nick Maxwell has a chat with Hawthorn coach Alastair Clarkson before Storm’s Round 26 clash with the Cronulla Sharks. Picture: Colleen Petch

For his part, Clarkson has spoken to Storm’s playing group — as recently as last year — about what it takes to reach the top and how to stay there.

Those who know both men say they’re alike in many ways.

They are highly intense on match days, but relaxed and friendly around the club during the week.

They don’t suffer fools and tolerate only the highest of standards.

They also possess the unique ability to take seemingly average players from other clubs and turn them into dependable cogs in strong sides.

At home, they both share a love of television show Seinfeld and classic rock music.

Bellamy likes Status Quo, while Clarkson loves Bruce Springsteen.

Both are known for being animated in the box on match day.

When asked if he felt they were a similar style of coach, Bellamy said:

“I wouldn’t compare myself to Alastair Clarkson and what he’s done in his game.

“I probably haven’t seen him enough in coaching situations to make comparisons, but I think we would have a few similar philosophies without a doubt.

“And I think basically, that includes having a good work ethic for everyone in your club.

“I know when I’ve sat down with him, a few times he has spoken about (the importance of) people in the club and stability.

Bellamy, like Clarkson, is fortunate to have good leaders like Cameron Smith. Picture: Getty Images

“I’d like to think we’re similar along those lines.”

There has been a connection between Storm and Hawthorn for a number of years now.

From Storm, skipper Cameron Smith, centre Will Chambers, forwards Tohu Harris, Tim Glasby, assistant coach Adam O’Brien and Bellamy are big Hawthorn fans.

Bellamy and Smith were at the MCG on Friday night as Western Bulldogs ended Hawthorn’s dream of a fourth consecutive premiership.

Likewise, Hawk stars such as Shaun Burgoyne love to watch Storm play when they can.

It is hard to deny the similarities between the two clubs.

Both have a very strong culture of sustained success that is both envied and emulated by their rivals across the league.

Assistant coaches that work for both coaches are highly coveted and often soon move onto senior gigs.

Bellamy and Clarkson are also blessed with Cameron Smith and Luke Hodge — both inspirational leaders — as their respective captains.

The only glaring difference now is only one of the two can win the premiership in the first weekend in October.

Originally published as Craig Bellamy and Alastair Clarkson share friendship in and outside the coaching box