Alastair Clarkson admits there was a “significant” lure to coach either Carlton or Collingwood, before deciding to take a break from football in 2022.
Clarkson, who was heavily courted by the Blues, says the timing wasn’t right for him to take up a new senior coaching role after 17 years at Hawthorn.
Speaking on SEN Breakfast, the four-time premiership coach is looking forward to the “unique opportunity” of taking 12 months off to freshen up for a possible return to coaching in 2023.
“I’m looking forward to just sitting back and seeing what transpires over the next 12 months,” Clarkson said.
“I’ve chased this dream and gone flat out with it, but just to sit myself in second or third gear rather than overdrive is a good feeling at the present time.
“At some point in time, I’m certain I’m going to miss it (coaching) at different stages.
“When we were kids, Carlton and Collingwood were two of the most dominant clubs in the competition. They’re just battling a little bit at the present time, but they’re going to grow and become great clubs again.
“For a kid that grew up in West Wimmera and held those clubs on such a pedestal, the lure of actually coaching one of those clubs was significant for me.
“But the bottom line is … the timing wasn’t right.
“I didn’t want to jump back into it without this really unique opportunity I’ve got to have 12 months off and see if I can recharge the batteries for AFL footy, or explore another opportunity that might be out there.”
Port Adelaide assistant and Brisbane great Michael Voss is the favourite to be named Carlton's new senior coach.