Former Western Bulldogs and Richmond coach Terry Wallace believes Hawthorn coach Alastair Clarkson will remain at the club to ensure his legacy remains intact.
The four-time premiership winning coach is out of contract at the end of the 2019 season with Hawks president Jeff Kennett seemingly in no rush to renew Clarkson’s contract.
Wallace told SEN Afternoons the long-serving Hawthorn coach has the potential to mirror Kevin Sheedy’s 27-year reign at Essendon.
“Leigh Matthews always said he would never go back to Hawthorn as a coach as it could harm his reputation,” he said.
“He couldn’t enhance it even if he won a premiership or two and enhance the way he was revered at the Hawthorn Football Club.
“He was better off staying away and not doing any damage to it.
"It’s similar with Clarkson. I could see him being a one club coach and almost doing what Kevin Sheedy did and spending all his time at one club even though he was at GWS very late in the piece, and therefore not impacting his legacy.
“Just say Clarkson stays for another seven years, if he doesn’t win another premiership then how is he seen as the Hawthorn Footy Club?
“To me I don’t think he should move and I have a gut feeling that’s probably the way it will play out.”
Hawthorn take on Sydney in a Friday night blockbuster clash at the MCG. Join the 1116 SEN call team from 6pm with Gerard Whateley, Anthony Hudson, Garry Lyon, Danny Frawley and Abbey Holmes.
Listen to Terry Wallace's chat with Andy Maher in the player below