By Sam McClure
Calling Clarko
Alastair Clarkson and North Melbourne are working on a date for the coach’s return to the club this season, with round 19 shaping as the most likely option.
A source close to the situation, who didn’t want to be quoted, told The Scoop this week that both club and coach were in discussions about Clarkson returning to coach later this year.
The same source said that a round 19 return was most likely, given that North Melbourne face Hawthorn in round 18. It’s likely that all parties would want to avoid the heightened fanfare and media interest that would naturally come if Clarkson returned to coach against his old club, so a Saturday afternoon clash with Richmond a week later would represent a smoother transition back.
When this column approached Kangaroos president Dr Sonja Hood about Clarkson at the Australian Football Hall of Fame dinner on Tuesday night, she confirmed talks had begun.
“We’ve been in contact with Alastair about a return to the club that will see him coaching the senior team at some point before the end of the season,” she said.
Alastair Clarkson is in discussions with North about a return to coaching.Credit: AFL Photos
Clarkson stepped away from his post at North Melbourne in mid-May in the wake of the Hawthorn racism investigation, with Clarkson stating that he needed to focus on his “physical and emotional wellbeing”. He had denied any allegations of wrongdoing.
Hood also went out of her way on Tuesday to laud caretaker coach Brett Ratten, whom she described as “one of the great people in football”.
Clarkson’s manager, James Henderson, was contacted for comment.
Here come the Suns
If you think Gold Coast are on the way up in 2023, well, so are their fans.
The Scoop has been told they could break their home crowd record this Saturday when Collingwood roll into town.
It’s the perfect storm for the Suns. Stuart Dew’s side has won six of its past nine games and, apart from a shocking performance against Carlton, they have looked every bit finals contenders.
The Suns would usually budget for between 5000-7000 travelling fans, but given it’s Collingwood coming to town – and they just happen to be top of the ladder – that number is expected to increase significantly.
Gold Coast could pull a big crowd against the Pies.Credit: Getty Images
“With fewer than 1000 tickets remaining for sale, there is a real chance that we could break the record for an AFL match,” Gold Coast CEO Mark Evans told this column.
“That will be determined by the show rate of people who have reserved seats and potentially people purchasing standing room tickets.”
Their record actually came against the Pies the best part of a decade ago, when 24,032 people piled into what was then Metricon Stadium in round 16, 2014.
The Suns won that game by five points but lost superstar player Gary Ablett jnr to a season-ending shoulder injury. The Suns lost six of their last seven games without Ablett and missed out on their best chance of playing finals.
Nine years later – nearly to the day – is it time for revenge? Oh, and the weather forecast for Saturday? Mostly sunny with a top of 20 degrees. It sure beats Melbourne in winter ...
Simon Says
Essendon coach Brad Scott revealed recently that the club had called upon one of its greatest ever players, Simon Madden, to help convince star defender Mason Redman to stay a Bomber.
The South Australian-born, out-of-contract Bomber has reportedly been a target of the Crows, but the Bombers are desperate to keep him.
Madden, a three-time All-Australian, four-time best and fairest and former Essendon captain, made famous the number 27 that adorns Redman’s back.
Essendon free agent Mason Redman.Credit: AFL Photos
“He’s just bought a house in Millicent, they reckon it’s four hours from Melbourne and three hours from Adelaide, so is it really different? It’s not as though it’s just around the corner!” Madden said.
According to Google maps, Millicent to the MCG is a five hour and 45-minute car ride, compared to a trip to the Adelaide Oval, which would take four-and-a-half hours.
Madden’s maps may not be as precise as his goal kicking, but his point is accurate. Would Redman really be “going home” by seeking a move to Adelaide?
Bruce Almighty
As he did for so long on a weekly basis, the great Bruce McAvaney had his entire audience hanging on every word when he was inducted into the Australian Football Hall of Fame on Tuesday.
He thanked his family, close friends and paid special tribute to the team at Seven that had stood behind him throughout his illustrious career. McAvaney famously keeps his opinions to himself the majority of the time, instead choosing to let his supreme commentary skills do the talking.
But The Scoop caught up with him later on Tuesday evening to put some direct questions to him.
Best AFL team he’s seen? “I think the Brisbane Lions in the early 2000s. It’s a toss up [with Geelong], but I think they were the most powerful team,” he said.
Best player? “I think Wayne Carey. In my time of broadcasting, I think Carey.”
Best track and field athlete? “It’s a toss up between [Carl] Lewis and [Usain] Bolt, but I think Bolt. Bolt was the better sprinter, but Lewis had the long jump as well. Probably Bolt.”
Best broadcast moment? “Cathy.”
Keep up to date with the best AFL coverage in the country. Sign up for the Real Footy newsletter.