Alastair Clarkson has broken his silence just hours before he’s reportedly compelled to make a decision on where he'll coach in 2023.
North Melbourne is understood to want a decision from the four-time premiership coach by Friday, while he’s also reported to have some interest in the Essendon job.
He was previously also linked to the GWS job before telling Giants officials he wants to stay in Victoria.
In a week of a media circus and constant speculation, Clarkson spoke to 10 News First and admitted his displeasure with how the scenario had unfolded.
Alastair Clarkson has broken his silence, saying he is still undecided and that it's "quite embarrassing being the centre of attention". The legendary coach says he has "enormous respect" for McVeigh, Rutten and Adams, and says the sooner he makes a decision "the better". pic.twitter.com/5E4TCM4hxI
— 10 News First Melbourne (@10NewsFirstMelb) August 18, 2022
“It’s quite embarrassing to be fair, to be such a central figure in all this,” he said.
“I’ve got enormous respect for the three guys involved in their clubs, Spike (Mark) McVeigh (at GWS), Truck (Ben) Rutten (at Essendon) and Patch (Leigh) Adams (at North Melbourne) are all terrific football people and they’re trying to do the right things by their clubs.”
Essendon particularly has been in turmoil throughout the week. Former President Paul Brasher has stood down while Rutten battled through despite reports he could be unseated at any minute.
“In particular, the situation with Truck, he’s still got a year on his contract to run and it’s quite embarrassing to be the centre of attention in a situation when it’s so difficult for him and his club,” Clarkson continued.
“I’d prefer to be able to get off the back page and I know full well this circus will all end when I can make a decision one way or the other, so the sooner I can do that, the better.”
10 News First also stated Clarkson remains undecided on where he will coach next year.
“It’s a big step to come back into the AFL footy, with the sacrifices we’ve made as a family over a long period of time. We need to give that some due consideration,” the former Hawthorn coach added.
“I’ve got a daughter in Brisbane and a son and daughter in Melbourne. We’d like the chance to be able to sit down with them tonight and get their thoughts.
“But I’ll only do that after I’ve spoken to my management. Then hopefully be in a much better position this time tomorrow.”
North Melbourne president Dr Sonja Hood told 7 News on Wednesday night she’d enjoyed “fantastic communication” with Clarkson and his management throughout the process.
North Melbourne president Sonja Hood has spoken to @7NewsMelbourne after tonight’s Kangaroos board meeting.
— Mitch Cleary (@cleary_mitch) August 17, 2022
The latest on the chase for Alastair Clarkson and the updated timeline on his decision.
Why they’re still chips in: pic.twitter.com/anHTbEHe7b
“We talked about a whole lot of stuff, including the coaching position for next year and we’re pretty comfortable with where things are at,” Hood said after a board meeting.
“We are pretty confident we will know something by the end of the weekend, and we are really happy with the way things are going.”
Clarkson is the hottest property on the coaching market for 2023 and has not led a team since he exited the Hawks last year.