Hawthorn part ways with Clarko in bombshell move

Hawthorn will part ways with four-time premiership coach Alastair Clarkson at season’s end, if not sooner.

Foxfooty.com.au has confirmed The Age’s report with senior sources in a bombshell move that will bring an end to the legendary boss’ 17 year tenure at the club.

It’s believed that the decision was reached on Thursday during a meeting between the Hawks’ board and Clarkson’s management – with the super coach to receive a full payout from his 2021 contract.

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Hawthorn earlier this month announced a shock succession plan where club great and assistant Sam Mitchell would take over from Clarkson at the end of 2022.

But senior players reportedly voiced their concerns to club powerbrokers over the relationship becoming “untenable,” leading to the decision to dismiss Clarkson a year earlier than planned.

It’s understood a meeting took place on Wednesday involving the senior leadership group, club boss Justin Reeves and football director Richie Vandenberg – where Vandenberg then spoke to Clarkson afterwards where a mutual agreement was made to go their separate ways.

The 53-year old coached Hawthorn to four flags including a three-peat from 2013 to 2015.

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