The GWS Giants have met with Alastair Clarkson, reports Channel 7’s Mitch Cleary.
The four-time premiership coach is spending the 2022 season away from the coaching caper after departing Hawthorn at the end of 2021.
Since Clarkson left the Hawks, there has been constant speculation regarding a coaching return and the Giants are showing considerable interest.
Cleary says the master coach is definitely on the “wish list” of the Giants who have Mark McVeigh in as interim coach following Leon Cameron’s exit in May.
“Yes, I understand that there has been at least one meeting with at least one Giants powerbroker,” Cleary said on SEN Breakfast.
“I know the Giants are hopeful that will increase in the next fortnight or so.
“They’ve obviously got a process they’re working through, the Giants, that includes a number of people on their wish list. That includes Alastair Clarkson.
“I think it is a big result for the Giants that he has accepted at least one meeting so far and is keen to be a part of or has shown a willingness to be part of this process.
“That will ramp up over the next few weeks. I guess Leon Cameron departing early has allowed them to get ahead of this and sit down and chat to Clarko before any others.”
Garry Lyon asked Cleary - “Do you think Clarko’s level of interest may have increased given the scarcity of other offers that would appear to be out there?”
“Potentially,” Cleary replied.
“That’s no doubt part of his consideration.”
Big result for GWS - Alastair Clarkson has met with the Giants https://t.co/RwcPCCzf1b
— Mitch Cleary (@cleary_mitch) July 4, 2022
Cleary also spoke of Clarkson’s link to Port Adelaide and the fact Ken Hinkley is no certainty to be at Alberton in 2023.
He also touched on the other options for Clarkson which have somewhat dried up.
“The other to look at is Port Adelaide. He’s obviously got a connection there in that he was an assistant coach in their last and only AFL premiership in 2004,” he added.
“What happens with Ken Hinkley? Is the time coming for the club to part ways with Ken Hinkley?
“That will be a watch for the rest of the season.
“Is he (Clarkson) out of North Melbourne’s price range? Potentially.
“And we know St Kilda sort of had a look around and explored the Clarkson route, opted not to go there, because they’re happy with where their soft cap sits, they’re happy not to have that $1 million coach and happy to pay Brett Ratten unders to fulfil other parts of their soft cap.”
The Giants currently sit 13th on the ladder with a 5-10 record ahead of this weekend’s meeting with the 12th-placed Power.