Alastair Clarkson.Credit:Pat Scala
One is that the Kangaroos will give Clarkson as much control as a coach can have in 2022,making him Denis Pagan redux. While handing a coach near-total control is often unhealthy,it is hard to see how Clarkson wouldn’t exercise that power at Arden Street.
North are approaching Clarkson on bended knee. The relationship will therefore be on his terms.
The other positive point of difference North can offer - and the romance of returning to his old club won’t count for much - is lower expectations. Clarkson would be expected to lift Essendon into finals immediately;at North,he will have a two- or three-year amnesty.
Based on his Hawthorn history,Clarkson will want to be sure that key figures at Essendon have his back. At Hawthorn,he had club legend Jason Dunstall,on the board from 2004 until 2013,in his corner and acting as human shield against Jeff Kennett.