TOPIC:

Hawthorn is in ruins barely half a decade after a storied triple premiership, and it can be traced back to the calculated and remorseless actions that started towards the end of 2016. If there’s a light at the end of the tunnel, it can only be an oncoming train.

The decisions made by Clarkson to cast off superstars that had given him decades of loyalty, particularly former captains that had set the tone and culture of the club, while seen at the time to be bold and courageous acts were actually a culture killer and one of the greatest acts of personal hubris in the AFL this century.

The overrated Clarkson, backed by the sycophantic football department held in his thrall drove the decisions to move on Hodge, Mitchell and Jordan Lewis as well as to try to offload Jarryd Roughead while they still had good football in them. Clarkson in love with the idea of his own genius more than they were with the fabric of the team or club.

And fancy saying it was done to benefit the individuals in question, advancing their careers or allowing them to make more money elsewhere. It was disrespectful enough, let alone with the ridiculous spin.

No, it was done to try and bring in big-name recruits who have mostly put in small-time performances. It was done to keep the Hawks in contention. It was done because they overrated the support players. It was done to feed Clarkson's insatiable ego. It was done as they overrated Clarkson’s ability to turn shit into blow jobs.

And as a consequence it’s deep, dark midnight for Hawthorn.

Tyrone Vickery. Ouch. Tom Scully was anonymous. Chad Wingard not much better if we’re being really honest, a shadow of his Port Adelaide self. Since leaving GWS it has become clear Jon Patton is not a man for the modern game. If you asked Siri to name a collection of uninspiring footballers over the last five years, there’s a chance that many of these would be part of her answer.

Would anyone bet good money on Trent Cotchin, Jack Riewoldt or Dustin Martin playing at another club after their Richmond days are over? Alex Rance is retired as a Tigers player only.

Hawthorn needs to reset and rebound from the decade of decay they have inflicted upon them upon them by Clarkson. A house built on shit when it falls, just leaves a pile of shit. At least they've finally got rid of the man who took the dump.

Jeez BB...don't sugar coat it mate and lay it out there.    Welcome btw.

Every coach has his use by date and I think Clarkson reached that stage with Hawthorn 4 years ago. Hawthorn have certainly lost a lot of their aura at the same time when they let go of their champions. 

The reason I would not rate him is that his side was full of the best young talent in the country, he was set up to win by the  AFL. In many ways, Ken Judge did a better job with the Hawks.

I think this handover between Clarkson and Mitchell could be as disasterous as the Malthouse/Buckley transition. Dealing with some pretty big egos here when you throw Kennett into the mix as well

I remember 3 or 4 years ago he said a comment I thought was quite arrogant and disrespectful to other clubs which has now come back to bite him on the arse. He said we don’t bottom out like other clubs to get high draft picks, that’s just not us.

So somehow you are immune from sliding down the ladder and gaining early draft picks is beneath you hey Clarko? Well how are you enjoying your 17th spot on the ladder?

I can’t wait to see the same happen to Geelong who never seem to bottom out but their time will come. They seem to be like an up market old persons home for players chasing glory. I just love it when they fall short. How they can fit their galaxy of stars into the salary cap is beyond me.

How many times do you hear “he’s a Geelong Guildford Grammer boy”? They seem to have a very strong region for AFL footballers and probably get academy drafts picks and eventually players want to return home who are drafted out of Geelong.

So he’s finally pulled the pin and is taking a break for 2022.  Wonder how much interest he will get?  Should imagine Carlton, Gold Coast and Colliwobble will prick up there ears.

58shark wrote:

So he’s finally pulled the pin and is taking a break for 2022.  Wonder how much interest he will get?  Should imagine Carlton, Gold Coast and Colliwobble will prick up there ears.

Having said that, I wonder if he has received an “offer I can’t reuse” already?

I saw Caroline Wilson cop a lot of shit on FC when she leaked a story that all wasn’t well about this arrangement and there was a meeting where not everyone was on the same page. I think she is owed a few apologies.

If Clarko wants to take year off to recharge the batteries, Carlton might be wise to hold on to David Teague for another year rather than commit to a new coach if they want Clarko. 

It’s looking like Clarkson is setting up an easier ride for Mitchell next year.