To Clarkson,they must ask:are you interested? And to themselves:do we want him?
Carlton’s review/autopsy of the football department’s failings,meanwhile,is nearing completion,with the interviews having been conducted. The hierarchy will already know the shape of what’s coming.
The Blues will have to make a difficult call on a number of positions in the footy department,none more vexed than that of the senior coach,despite their impressive victory over St Kilda.
It will be easier for them to approach the Clarkson camp and to sound him out if they’ve already jettisonedDavid Teague. That decision on the coach – thumbs up or down – may well be expedited by the sudden potential availability of Clarkson.
It is difficult to envisage that the Blues won’t approach Clarkson’s management,at the least,even if this will feel like they are cheating on the incumbent. For if the tumult at Hawthorn has reminded us of anything,it is that even decorated coaches are expendable and clubs will make the call based almost entirely on what they think will help them win.
For Mark Korda,the Collingwood president facing aprospective board challenge from Jeff Browne,what helps you “win” may also mean an election that decides the presidency;Korda and his board,clearly,would find it easier to remain in power if they signed Clarkson.