Mark Robinson: why there is no way to know what comes out of Alastair Clarkson investigation

Does the Hawks probe find Alastair Clarkson guilty? And if so, of what? And even then, will he accept the verdict? There are plenty of questions that can’t be answered.

Alastair Clarkson speaking to the media at North Melbourne. Picture: Jake Nowakowski

Would an apology save Alastair Clarkson?

That’s certainly not suggesting Clarkson is guilty of racism, but perhaps he might be guilty of cultural insensitivities or naivety if you like, which hardly makes him Robinson Crusoe in a world where millions of people are insensitive to race.

Or Clarkson might not be guilty of anything, which he says.

On September 21, he put out a statement declaring he was “shocked” by claims of racism directed at him and refuted any allegation of wrongdoing.

On November 2, his first day at North Melbourne as coach, Clarkson said there was more ’’depth and history’’ to the serious allegations made against him, which included allegations about terminating an unborn child.

It was also asserted that Clarkson had told friends he would sell his house and belongings to fund the legal fees to clear his name.

It would seem crystal clear Clarkson is set for the fight of his life.

Two men and two women have agreed to participate in the independent investigation, and the four panel members of the investigation will soon, if they haven’t already, start to visit them to hear their stories.

Alastair Clarkson during his final year as Hawthorn coach. Picture: Getty Images

It can be revealed today, another former player and another couple are considering whether to also tell their stories. At present, they are scared, but a level of determination exists.

That’s four people, possibly seven, with multiple stories about Clarkson’s behaviour at Hawthorn, stories and context and depth which Clarkson will get the opportunity to explain.

Already, we have read some of those stories, in an ABC report and when the Herald Sun published the Hawthorn internal review, which was delivered to the AFL.

There are other stories, which cannot be printed today, but will be aired to the independent investigators, and which will be made public, according to the AFL.

Clarkson denies everything.

The four-time premiership coach is not the only former Hawthorn staffer to be named - the others are Chris Fagan and Jason Burt - but clearly Clarkson is the central figure.

A man who loves total control of his environment, Clarkson has lost control of his. It must be an unsettling place to land.

Ask James Hird, who was the central figure in the Essendon supplements saga.

Almost eight years ago, Clarkson had little to no sympathy for Hird and the situation Hird found himself in.

Hird denied everything then, as is Clarkson now.

Back then, Clarkson accused Hird of “ambushing” the game.

“We need to ensure it never happens in our game again,” Clarkson said of the Dons scandal.

“What have we learned? What have coaches learned about their obligations and responsibilities to young men? What have clubs learned? What have junior coaches learned?

“It’s too easy to sweep it under the carpet and hope it’s never going to happen again. It comes down to having the right systems and protocols in place.”

Alastair Clarkson didn’t have much sympathy for James Hird during the Essendon saga. Picture: AAP Images

He later told The Age: “We’re only temporary custodians. We’re just here to protect the game and pass the baton on to the next generation and ensure it is in a good state.

“We’ve just got to make sure that things like what happened last year (at Essendon) must never be allowed to ambush the game again, to tarnish what is a great game.’’

Oh, how the wheel turns.

Who knows how the investigation will play out.

A canvas of several senior football figures this week did not elicit one definitive answer.

If Clarkson is found guilty of “something’’ by the panel, the AFL will need to determine a penalty, be that a fine, a suspension or deregistration. Yes, it’s possible Clarkson will not coach a single game at North Melbourne.

If Clarkson rejects those findings and any AFL punishment, then, at this stage, a drawn-out court case costing millions of dollars is a real possibility.

And if Clarkson is found not guilty?

The First Nations players and their families, and the wider Indigenous football nation will believe it’s a white man’s world with white-man’s rules, which believe white men over them.

It’s beyond complex.

It’s been described as a he said-she said scenario, but it’s more than that. It’s a he said/they said scenario. And ‘’they’’ believe they have overwhelming evidence that shows Clarkson is a racist at worst, and insensitive and ignorant at best.

Clarkson’s current position is that of a prize fighter standing in his corner, ready to swing at everything and everyone, and refusing to take a backward step.

That’s his right.

Alastair Clarkson arrives at North Melbourne on his first official day at the club. Picture: Jake Nowakowski

But it’s also his right to reconsider his position, that his behaviour and words more than 10 years ago might’ve been insensitive, which is the softer version of racism.

That position could possibly deliver an alternate end to proceedings – other than a courtroom.

It may be too late for that, anyway, after Clarkson’s adamant first-up denials.

But if Clarkson wanted to apologise, and it was sincere and it was broadcast to the nation, the possibility of mediation would be alive.

It’s only a thought.

Because, let’s be honest, this is a cluster of epic proportions, and it needs leaders and processes put in place, so there’s more understanding and teachings and learnings to be had.

Clarkson already has reputational damage – the allegations themselves carry enough mud – but it can’t be all about a witch-hunt and what happened 10 years ago.

It’s also got to be about what happens now and into the future.

This week, the AFL Players Association supported a demand for the AFL to annually review its indigenous practices, as well as identify and admit to past failings.

Suddenly, a terrible situation has prompted a cultural movement, and one that will need all types of leaders.

Could Clarkson become one? Could an acceptance that he could’ve been better and an apology help shape the future? Again, it’s only a thought.

Clearly, some people would accept his contriteness.

Some Indigenous people, however, would ask how an intelligent man who has been in the system since the racial vilification rules were put in place in 1995, who has been educated on Indigenous culture and beliefs, could be so insensitive, or even flippant on race.

One issue is measuring what happened, or what was allegedly said, 10 years ago against the 2022 standards of education and understanding. The flip-side issue is what does that matter?

The AFL is not without failings during this time. They handled the Adam Goodes situation badly, starting off by not punishing Eddie McGuire for his comments about Goodes, to not punishing Adelaide for its camp debacle, as outlined by Eddie Betts.

It’s been reported AFL boss Gill McLachlan will remain in his role until the Hawks scandal is over.

Gill McLachlan will remain in his role until the Hawks scandal is over. Picture: David Crosling

I initially agreed with that stance, but as the situation has grown to be a cultural movement, and the AFL has indicated it’s ready to combat racism on a much bigger scale, the horizon looks like it’s a line in the sand moment.

McLachlan is part of the past on Indigenous issues – and it’s been problematic – and what’s happening now commands a great focus to the future.

At least fresh eyes.

A new CEO could own and drive this powerful position on Indigenous understanding and responsibility.

And the perfect person for that is Richmond CEO Brendon Gale, who while talented and quirky and absolutely should be the prime candidate for the CEO’s role, he has also put in place at the Tigers an authentic commitment to listen, learn and understand.

They are not perfect, the Tigers, but the outcome has been a sporting club that is culturally safe on and off the field and without peer among every sports club in Australia.

Take note, Richard Goyder.

It is said the AFL does not like Gale for the role, but the clubs believe that is ludicrous thinking.

The Clarkson situation, meanwhile, is not his alone. While testimonies will centre on Clarkson, former Hawks people Burt, Fagan, current Suns CEO Mark Evans and current AFL Commissioner Andrew Newbold also feature.

As does Hawthorn as a footy club, which is likely to be punished by the AFL, and which could be up for millions of dollars in court fees and potential civil fallout.

The reputational damage to people and to the club and to the league could be like we haven’t seen in the game before.

Whatever happens, the trauma is absolute on all sides.

Originally published as Mark Robinson: why there is no way to know what comes out of Alastair Clarkson investigation