Jeff Kennett argues Alastair Clarkson recovery ‘will not happen’ unless investigation stopped

Jeff Kennett has made a huge call on the Hawthorn racism inquiry in the wake of Alastair Clarkson’s decision to take a break from football.

Hawks head coach Alastair Clarkson (right) with former Hawks president Jeff Kennett on July 22, 2018. Photo: Michael Dodge/Getty Images

Former Hawthorn president Jeff Kennett says the investigation into allegations of racism at the AFL club “should be stood down” and believes Alastair Clarkson won’t improve his health until that happens.

Clarkson surprised the AFL world this week when it was announced he was taking indefinite leave from his head coaching role at North Melbourne due to allegations he was involved in racist practices during his time coaching the Hawks.

Clarkson, his then-assistant coach Chris Fagan and former head of player development Jason Burt are among the officials alleged to have been complicit in terrible treatment of indigenous players at Hawthorn.

An independent review into the allegations has been ongoing for more than eight months and appears nowhere near a resolution, with the investigation and any mooted mediation talks reportedly close to breaking down completely.

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Kennett, president of Hawthorn from 2005-2011 and again from 2017-2022, believes the investigation should be stopped immediately.

“I’m very sorry that (Clarkson’s) had to stand down for health reasons,” Kennett told Channel 7. “And I, like I think everyone else, wish him a speedy recovery.

“Can I say though, that will not happen while this current inquiry is allowed to continue.

“The inquiry should be stood down, a former judge should be appointed with the powers from the government of a judicial inquiry.

“A bit like the Ken Hayne (Royal Commission) into the financial institutions.

Jeff Kennett (left) and Alastair Clarkson during happier times at Hawthorn. Photo: Michael Willson/AFL Photos via Getty Images

“And then those making the claims will have their claims properly tested in a court and give the three individuals who have been named the opportunity to present and, as Alastair says, clear their name.”

Kennett was involved in the commissioning of the initial report into the racist allegations at the club, but has stated repeatedly it was never supposed to be made public before it was leaked to the media.

He says Clarkson’s decision to step away from football did not come as a surprise to him.

“I’ve known Alastair for a long time,” he said. “I’ve described him as a ‘volcano’ from time to time. He’s very emotional.

“When you’re very emotional, it is quite possible that the toll of being continually under scrutiny can be very harsh and heavy.

North Melbourne coach Alastair Clarkson has stood down, effective immediately. For more, @NickMcCallum7 spoke with former Hawthorn President Jeff Kennett. https://t.co/5zYfOfGqUb#7NEWSpic.twitter.com/sFYw5e6Mxr

— 7NEWS Melbourne (@7NewsMelbourne) May 18, 2023

“So am I surprised? Not really. This whole issue arose because someone leaked a report into the media that led to the AFL very quickly establishing a four-man committee that never had a chance to succeed.”

Hawthorn has been widely criticised for its handling of the report, but Kennett insists the leak was the issue, rather than any actions from the club.

“I understand the hurt the three people are feeling, but please understand, we did this storytelling to get the information and we were horrified with the result,” he said on SEN Breakfast.

“We did it because we‘re a safe working environment. But once that report was leaked, that is when this whole thing has gone off the rails.

“Once we got the report, we were bound by a recommendation of the report but also our own obligations within the AFL family to hand that report to integrity (AFL Integrity Unit).

“Once it went public, we had a firestorm.”

Retired Hawthorn star Shaun Burgoyne has also commented on the situation, admitting he was shocked to learn of Clarkson’s mental health battle.

But Burgoyne says it only demonstrates “everyone has their breaking point”.

Alastair Clarkson and Shaun Burgoyne at Waverly Park in 2021. Photo: Michael Klein

Burgoyne joined Clarkson at the Hawks from Port Adelaide ahead of the 2010 season and won three premierships at Hawthorn before retiring in 2021.

“Today came as a bit of a shock,” Burgyone said on The Front Bar on Thursday night. “Clarko is one of the toughest, most resilient men I’ve known and come across in footy.

“But I guess everyone has their breaking point and everyone has their own mental health to look after.

“So I’m hopeful that he can take time away with (wife) Caryn and his kids and rejuvenate and come back at some stage.

“But first and foremost is to look after his health.”