Alastair Clarkson expects to be in a better position to announce his future coaching plans on Friday, admitting the furore surrounding him is “embarrassing”.
But the Kangaroos have begun to canvass alternatives to the four-time premiership coach, reports The Age, while Essendon’s new president will address the playing group on Friday.
Clarkson’s decision remains the hottest topic in the AFL, with North Melbourne and Essendon both chasing his services and expecting a decision by the weekend.
The situation has heaped pressure on Bombers coach Ben Rutten, with his club’s board chasing Clarkson yet unwilling to officially sack the man contracted to lead them until at least the end of next season.
The Age reports Dave Barham, who took over from Paul Brasher as Bombers president at the start of the week and has been driving the push for Clarkson, has already spoken with Rutten and the team’s leadership group.
He’ll speak to the players more widely on Friday “to clear the air” before Saturday night’s game against Richmond.
The Kangaroos meanwhile are making background checks on coaching options other than Clarkson, focusing on those with senior experience - “likely”, according to the report, meaning Leon Cameron, Ross Lyon and potentially Ken Hinkley despite the latter’s repeated denials he will be leaving Port Adelaide.
Speaking with reporters at Adelaide Airport on Thursday afternoon, Clarkson said he feels for the coaches of GWS, Essendon and North Melbourne.
“It’s quite embarrassing, to be fair, to be such a central figure in all this,” Clarkson told reporters at Adelaide Airport on Thursday.
“I’ve got enormous respect for the three guys involved in their clubs, Spike (Mark) McVeigh, Truck (Ben) Rutten and Patch (Leigh) Adams. They’re all terrific football people and they’re trying to do the right things by their clubs.
“And in particular the situation around Truck, you know, he’s still got a year of his contract to run. It’s quite embarrassing being the centre of attention, in a situation where it’s just so difficult for him and his club.
“I’d prefer to be able to get off the back page, I know full well this circus will end once I make a decision one way or the other. So the sooner I can do that the better.”
Melbourne coach Simon Goodwin has also spoken about Rutten’s difficult situation, calling the Bombers’ treatment of their coach “pretty poor”.
But a decision is looming large with Clarkson planning to discuss it with his management and family on Thursday night.
“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,” he said.
“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.”
