AFL news: Alastair Clarkson and Chris Fagan set to return to coaching roles

Alastair Clarkson is poised to start work as North Melbourne coach within days.

Chris Fagan’s return to the Lions has been confirmed by the club board. Picture: AFL Photos/Getty Images

Alastair Clarkson will start at North Melbourne on Melbourne Cup day.

The Kangaroos have confirmed that the incoming senior coach will start on November 1 as had been planned, as the league’s independent investigation into explosive claims allegedly stemming from his time at Hawthorn continues.

North Melbourne chair Sonja Hood confirmed the news in a short statement on Wednesday afternoon, and affirmed the club’s backing for the AFL’s external investigation into the allegations.

“We support the process to provide a voice for all parties,” Dr Hood wrote.

“That includes former Hawthorn players and their families, as well as former coaches and staff, including Alastair.”

Clarkson had his start date as senior coach pushed back amid the serious historical allegations that were revealed in a cultural safety review report that encompassed his time at the helm at Hawthorn.

He has strongly denied the claims levelled.

But his planned start date now remains in place, with Brisbane counterpart Chris Fagan also set to return to his post at the Lions in coming days.

Hood also wrote that the Kangaroos’ board was confident that Clarkson will be able to both fulfil his duties as senior coach and co-operate with the investigation, which stepped up a gear when the terms of reference were settled upon last week.

“The board came to its decision after consulting with a wide range of stakeholders,” Hood wrote.

Alastair Clarkson and Sonja Hood at Arden St.

LIONS MAKE DECISION ON FAGAN COACHING RETURN

Marco Monteverde

Chris Fagan will resume his duties as Brisbane Lions coach on Wednesday.

The Lions board ratified the return of Fagan at a meeting on Tuesday night.

Fagan took a leave of absence from his role last month after being named in the Hawthorn racism scandal that rocked the AFL.

The Lions board made the decision to ratify Fagan’s return following the AFL’s release of the terms of reference for the independent investigation of allegations of inappropriate conduct at the Hawks.

The Lions board will provide Fagan with any future leave that might be required to allow him to participate in the investigation.

Chris Fagan’s return to the Lions has been confirmed by the club board. Picture: AFL Photos/Getty Images

Stream Over 50 Sports Live & On-Demand with Kayo. New to Kayo? Start your free trial now >

AFL has say on return of Clarko, Fages

—Sam Landsberger

The AFL has no problems with Alastair Clarkson and Chris Fagan working as senior coaches while they are investigated over their alleged involvement in the Hawthorn racism scandal.

Clarkson returned home from Scotland on Monday night and welcomed the league outlining the Terms of Reference for the investigation, which were released last week.

“It’s taken a bit of time to get through that (Terms of Reference). At least we’ve got a platform now from which we can get a chance to tell our side of the story,” Clarkson told Channel 9 from the airport.

“Fages, myself and Jason (Burt) have been through a tough time over the last four weeks and just pleased they’ve been able to identify a platform with which we can reveal some of the truths behind this.”

Brisbane Lions’ board was set to ratify Fagan’s return to the club at Tuesday night’s meeting while Clarkson is expected to commence duties at Arden St when his five-year contract begins on November 1.

The AFL has no issue with Alastair Clarkson and Chris Fagan returning to coaching duties while under investigation over Hawthorn racism allegations.

AFL general counsel Andrew Dillon said on Tuesday there was “at this stage” no reason why Fagan and Clarkson couldn’t fulfil their coaching roles while also participating in the investigation.

“It really is a matter for those individuals and the club,” Dillon said.

“And if they're in the right state of mind and they can work it out, it’s really a matter for the clubs in the individuals.”

Fagan was in Noosa enjoying lunch with his family on Tuesday.

The AFL remains unsure whether the complainants involved will participate in the independent inquiry.

“I think what I’d like to say about the Hawthorn review is that again it’s an independent review. So it will be conducted at arm’s length from us,” Dillon said.

“We‘ve got Gordon Legal advising us and so they’re sort of sitting in between the AFL (and the investigation).

“But I think if you look at the timeline of the terms of reference, we should have clarity in relation to who’s going to participate potentially by the end of this week.”

According to the AFL‘s Terms of Reference document: “A person who wishes to be a Participant must first inform the Investigation Panel via Gordon Legal that they elect to do so by (Friday), or on such later date as agreed by the Investigation Panel”.

Originally published as AFL news: Alastair Clarkson and Chris Fagan set to return to coaching roles