Alastair Clarkson's personal plea to stay safe

ALASTAIR Clarkson still feels the pain of losing his 24-year-old brother Andrew in a car accident at Ballarat 28 years ago.

HAWTHORN coach Alastair Clarkson still feels the pain of losing his 24-year-old brother Andrew in a car accident at Ballarat 28 years ago tomorrow.

Clarkson, who was 14 at the time, said his brother had been drinking at a party and believes he may be alive today had one of his mates insisted he didn't drive.

Clarkson spoke passionately yesterday at the launch by Crime Prevention Minister Andrew McIntosh of the "Wingman" alcohol awareness campaign, which asks young Victorians to look out for their friends while having a night out.

"If he had had someone looking out for him that night he may not have lost his life," Clarkson said of his brother.

Clarkson said his players have an "alcohol game plan" mapping out when it was appropriate to drink, have late night outs and attend nightclubs. He said they are accountable to each other.

Wingman will also be promoted by the AFL Coaches Association.

The Wingman pledge can be taken at facebook.com/champmoves.