Alastair Clarkson has emphatically denied rumours suggesting he’s asking teams for a $1.6 million salary to return to the coaches’ box next season.
After spending the 2022 season out of the game, Clarkson is poised to return to the league next year, but his destination is yet to be determined.
North Melbourne is one of the clubs linked to the four-time premiership winner, with the GWS Giants and Essendon also rumoured to have an interest.
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The 54-year-old hosted a function with AFL broadcaster Gerard Whateley on Friday afternoon, and Whateley said Clarkson “resents” recent reports surrounding his potential demands.
“‘Bulls–t’. That was Alastair Clarkson’s reaction to what’s in the public domain about $1.6 million to join North Melbourne,” Whateley told AFL Nation.
“He’s had an embryonic discussion with the Giants, he hasn’t had any contact from North Melbourne.”
Whateley also revealed what Clarkson is said to be looking for at his next AFL home.
“I think it’s fair to interpret that he resents the assumptions being made about him,” he said.
“He was really clear that he’s not picking the club, it can’t work like that, he will challenge the club to pick him if it gets to that stage, but he believes in alignment, and he specially mentioned the president and the chief executive, and the club has to believe in him and he has to believe in the club.
“It’s not as simple as a check and a phone call and here you go.”
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