CLARKO

I have been watching Aussie Rules since 1967.

Based on number of teams beaten to win each premiership in a premiership winning year, I rate Alastair Clarkson (Clarko) as the equal second best coach of Aussie Rules since 1897, tied with Norm Smith, one or two flags behind Jock McHale.

But very serious unproven allegations against Clarko have done huge damage to his chances of success again at AFL senior coaching.

When these allegations were first made, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese jumped on the woke, virtue signalling bandwagon, saying: “We know that discrimination has no part in our game, just as we know discrimination has no part in our nation.”

Linda Burney, Albanese’s Minister for Indigenous Australians at the time, said that the allegations were “nothing short of sickening, quite frankly”.

There were never any findings of wrong doing by Clarkson in the courts or by the Australian Human Rights Commission.

This is a type of innuendo that ruins or seriously damages the lives of far to many men in Australia.

AFL’s Gillon McLachlan described what happened as a “heavy burden.” for people like Clarkson.

Trent Croad, who finished his 222 game career coached by Clarkson at the time the alleged discrimination started, said Clarkson formed an “absolute brotherhood” with his players and and had “incredible” respect for First Nations players.

I have met Alastair Clarkson recently and seen how well he has lead his team.

I have seen his kindness and gentleness to all who approached him in my presence.

I have seen how good he has been at being a father figure to his North Melbourne players.

I believe his statement that he was “shocked and deeply distressed” by what was reported and his statement: “I want to emphatically express that I did not behave in the manner claimed ……”

No Prime Minister should try to position himself on the side of innuendo against a sporting hero like Alastair Clarkson.

Anthony Albanese did.

Geoff Fox, September 3, 2026, Melbourne, Australia