Alastair Clarkson pulls out of the Victorian coaching panel for the Bushfire Relief game
He is arguably the best coach in the game. But Victoria will be without four-time premiership coach Alastair Clarkson for its State of Origin clash with the All-Stars this week.
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Hawthorn coach Alastair Clarkson has pulled out of the Victorian coaching panel for Friday night’s State of Origin for Bushfire Relief game to instead lead the Hawks in a practice match in Morwell.
Clarkson was set to work as an assistant under Richmond coach and close friend Damien Hardwick when Victoria does battle with the All-Stars at Marvel Stadium on Friday night.
However, Hawthorn on Monday confirmed Clarkson had decided to instead lead the club in a scratch match against St Kilda on Friday afternoon.
Entry to the emergency services-themed match in Morwell will be free, but the Hawks are encouraging those attending to donate to the Victorian Bushfire Appeal.
Victoria’s coaching panel under Hardwick is set to still include Tigers assistant Adam Kingsley, Collingwood assistant Robert Harvey and Gold Coast Suns assistant Dean Solomon.
Hawthorn meets Melbourne in its second match of the Marsh Community Series in Launceston on March 6.