A decision on when Alastair Clarkson returns to coaching is yet to be made after the AFL ended its racism investigation.
AFL: Hawthorn president Andy Gowers has addressed media, after the AFL has ended its investigation into alleged racism at the club.
Kangaroos president Sonja Hood penned a letter to club members outlining the ongoing care and support for Clarkson, who has stepped away from coaching due to the toll taken by the saga.
The AFL has closed the investigation with no adverse findings against Clarkson, Chris Fagan or Justin Burt, who have all denied any wrongdoing after the historical allegations were first made public last December.
In the letter, Dr Hood said Clarkson had remained “loyal to the process” and the Kangaroos would remain loyal to him.
“The past eight months have taken a huge toll on Alastair and he has been remarkably stoic,” Dr Hood wrote.
“He has remained loyal to the process throughout despite having been denied natural justice for so long.
“For now, he will remain away from the club as he looks to get his own physical and mental health in order. We’re happy for him to take as much time away as he feels is necessary.
North Melbourne president Dr Sonja Hood has penned the following letter to members and fans.#Kangas
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“We’ll continue to support him and our players and staff while he’s away. (Football boss) Todd Viney, (interim coach) Brett Ratten and our entire football department will continue implementing Alastair’s plan.
“Everyone misses Clarko – but rest assured, the club is in great shape and we are able to give him all the time he needs to get his health right.”
Clarkson hit out at the investigation process earlier this month before stepping down as coach, with Ratten taking on the role.
Welcoming the AFL conclusion, Dr Hood was conscious of the “the harm this process has caused to all involved” in supporting Fagan.
“Last night’s (AFL) statement spoke of the considerable distress caused by the way the story became public, compounding the hurt that First Nations families felt from their time at Hawthorn,” she wrote.
“The past few months have been really tough on everyone – those named publicly and the many who were part of the investigation.”
“In fact, our whole country is facing into an important period of listening and understanding of our shared history.
“As a club, we are committed to playing our role and we support the strategic and governance recommendations laid out by the AFL in yesterday’s release.”