North Melbourne president Dr Sonja Hood says the Kangaroos have been collateral damage in the AFL racism row, with the club in regular contact with the AFL on when new coach Alastair Clarkson can start work.
Clarkson and Brisbane Lions coach Chris Fagan are two of the men at the centre of racism allegations from their time with Hawthorn, where Clarkson was coach and Fagan was football-department manager.
The pair has strenuously denied the allegations made by five First Nations families in a report completed by the Hawks, with both taking a leave of absence from their new roles while the league and the AFL-appointed four-man panel conduct an investigation.
North Melbourne president Sonja Hood says the Kangaroos have been damaged by racism allegations Alastair Clarkson is facing. Clarkson has denied the claims.Credit:Getty Images
“The process will coincide with the start of our pre-season, with football department staff due to return in early November, and players back from late November. At this stage, the AFL’s position is that all will be completed by Christmas,” Hood said in a letter to club members.
“As we await further details on the process, we are taking an active role in liaising with the AFL and our incoming coach Alastair Clarkson on the details of his commencement with the club.”
Clarkson, who has engaged legal counsel, signed a five-year contract and was due to start at Arden St on November 1, but now faces an uncertain future. The AFL wants the investigation and findings completed by Christmas. The terms of reference for how the investigation will be conducted have yet to be released.
The AFL has appointed the legal panel to oversee its investigation into the allegations contained in Hawthorn’s cultural safety review of Indigenous player experiences at the club. From left: Bernard Quinn KC, barrister Jacqualyn Turfrey, barrister Tim Goodwin, and barrister Julie Buxton.
“Although we can’t comment on the allegations or the AFL’s process, it’s important to note that the way events have unfolded over the past fortnight has created damage for our club and our people – our players (Indigenous and non-Indigenous), our staff, our members, and of course Alastair himself,” Hood said.
“Regardless of our next course of action, the club’s number one priority is to look after our people and we will continue to do that. The board is immensely grateful to our player leaders and the club’s executive team for the leadership role they have all played over a very difficult period for our club.
“We didn’t create this problem, but it’s now ours to deal with, and the unity and care in our response is a testament to our people.”
Hood dealt with Clarkson directly before appointing him as the new coach. The Kangaroos have yet to confirm who will head their pre-season program in Clarkson’s absence.
New football-department boss Todd Viney and list chief Brady Rawlings have overseen the trade period, when No.1 draft pick Jason Horne-Francis forced his way out of the club after only one season, citing the club’s instability as a reason for his departure.
“Our list and recruiting team were well-prepared leading into the trade period and they showed great flexibility and creativity in bringing high-end draft selections to the club after Jason Horne-Francis’ late trade request,” Hood said.
