Hawthorn racism scandal approaches complete breakdown as Alastair Clarkson steps down as North Melbourne coach

Todd Viney was unaware of Alastair Clarkson’s struggles until one phone call came. The Roos football boss explains what happened next, plus the latest on mediation talks.

Alastair Clarkson and Chris Fagan in their time at Hawthorn.

Alastair Clarkson and Chris Fagan are unlikely to attend proposed mediation talks with First Nations players and their partners as the Hawthorn racism scandal approaches a complete breakdown.

After a chaotic 24 hours which saw Clarkson step down as North Melbourne coach for his mental and physical wellbeing, a meeting was held on Thursday between First Nation families and their legal teams.

It is expected another meeting will be held on Friday to plot their next course of action.

It is possible the dispute could end up in the Human Rights Commission.

AFL chief executive Gillon McLachlan had been hopeful the mediation meeting in Adelaide on Tuesday would still take place.

Mediation talks were proposed by the independent investigation panel set up by the AFL.

It’s possible the AFL, Hawthorn and the First Nations players and their families could attend a meeting without the coaches to discuss AFL and club policies on racism.

Clarkson’s manager James Henderson told the Herald Sun on Thursday night:

“We are continuing to cooperate and engage constructively with the AFL,” said Henderson, who represents both Clarkson and Brisbane Lions coach Chris Fagan, with any discussions to likely include former Hawthorn player welfare manager Jason Burt.

McLachlan has been a central part of shuttle mediation between all parties in recent days, where he has tried to find some common ground ahead of the proposed mediation talks.

Clarkson, 55, told North officials on Wednesday that he wasn’t coping with the stress related to the Hawthorn racism investigation.

Brett Ratten will coach in Alastair Clarkson’s absence. Picture: Getty Images

He had hidden the seriousness of his struggles from even his closest confidantes at North Melbourne with football boss Todd Viney unaware until he received a call from the senior coach and his wife Caryn.

A meeting was quickly arranged at Arden St which was attended by Clarkson’s manager James Henderson, North president Dr Sonja Hood, chief executive Jen Watt and Viney.

“He felt he just couldn’t do it anymore,” Viney revealed on Thursday morning, shortly after the Kangaroos players had been told of the dramatic departure of their coach.

“He outlined the previous eight months where he has had to deal with the Hawthorn investigation and the serious allegations that have been made through that complaint, not having a voice for that period of time has really weighed him down in the mental space.”

Clarkson, Brisbane coach Chris Fagan and former welfare officer Jason Burt are facing allegations of racism and the treatment of First Nation players during their time at Hawthorn.

All three strongly deny the allegations and have yet to tell their side of the story.

Clarkson’s decision is likely to be the centre piece of any potential legal action which has already been floated as a possibility given the damage to his reputation.

The long-running saga resulted in the four-time premiership coach barely sleeping two hours a night, according to Viney, who said the Roos coach would get away from Melbourne to rebuild his health.

Clarkson will take an indefinite break from his role. Picture: Getty Images

“There has been no time frame about when he is coming back,” he said. “It is our firm belief that he will be back this year and if you ask us we can‘t tell you if that is one week or six weeks so we will take that as it comes.”

Asked if he thought there was a possibility Clarkson could walk away from the game, Viney said: “I personally don’t (think so), certainly that is a possibility. I think he just needs time to heal.”

Cracks started to appear in Clarkson’s demeanour over the past week including a press conference where he savaged his former club over the investigation process.

His frustrations also boiled over at halftime of Saturday’s loss to Port Adelaide in Hobart where he reportedly threw a chair across the changerooms.

Hood said there was “no game plan” for dealing with the loss of a senior coach nine rounds into a season but said she had incredible respect for Clarkson’s cry for help.

“What he said to me yesterday was, ‘I want to feel the love again and I’m not doing the right thing by the players. I can’t stand there and if I can’t give my all it’s not the right thing by them or the club‘,“ Hood said.

Former Carlton and St Kilda coach Brett Ratten will take over as senior coach and lead the Roos against Sydney on Saturday at Marvel Stadium.

Fagan said he was “saddened” by Clarkson’s decision to stand down.

“The deeply flawed process that we have been subjected to has taken a heavy toll,” Fagan said in a statement. “It has been profoundly damaging and unfair. It is my hope that it will very soon come to an appropriate end. In the meantime, Clarko’s physical and mental wellbeing must come first.”

The AFL also issued a statement saying Clarkson had made the right decision to prioritise his health.

Todd Viney spoke to the media about his talks with Clarkson. Picture: Mark Stewart

“We understand how much the investigation by the independent panel into allegations of racism has impacted on all people involved, including Alastair, and believe the investigation needs to find resolution,” McLachlan said.

“It is a heavy burden being carried by all parties involved and the wellbeing of everyone who is a part of this process is the key priority for our game.

“It takes great courage to stand up and say you need to focus on your own personal wellbeing and we support Alastair in doing what he needs to do in the best interests of himself and his family. We will continue to provide support to all parties.

“The AFL supports current efforts to find a mediated outcome that provides fairness and natural justice for all involved and encourage all parties to work towards a timely and just outcome.”

Viney said Clarkson had hidden his inner turmoil from everyone at North Melbourne although cracks started to appear last week when he savaged his former club describing the process as “shameful” and ”a circus”.

“I think that was a window into his mindset,” Viney said. ”But it took me by surprise, to tell you the truth.

“I did know things were weighing on him but I didn‘t see anything that was inhibiting his coaching. I did always think, when all this was said and done and finished, he’d be a better coach.

“It‘s been a hell of a weight to do both.”