North Melbourne president Sonja Hood has said there has been “damage for our club and our people” amid historical allegations of racism at Hawthorn involving Alastair Clarkson.
Clarkson was due to commence in his role as Kangaroos coach on November 1, but his commencement remains uncertain as the investigation prepares to be undertaken by an AFL-appointed, four-person panel.
In a letter to members, Hood said the club was taking “an active role” regarding Clarkson’s start date.
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“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 wrote.
“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.
“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.
“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.”
Clarkson has issued two statements since the allegations were made.
