Clarkson stays committed to Hawks in AFL

Jul 14, 2017 - 2:36 AM Hawthorn have had enough change without top AFL coach Alastair Clarkson going as well.

The four-time premiership coach has shot down ongoing speculation that if Collingwood decide Nathan Buckley's time is up, they could prise Clarkson away from Waverley Park with a godfather offer.

The Magpies this week guaranteed Buckley is safe until the end of the season, but their ongoing poor form means they could well decide to change their coach.

Clarkson is contracted until the end of 2019 and is overseeing a major transition of the team.

Sam Mitchell and Jordan Lewis went to other clubs at the end of last season and Luke Hodge will retire at the end of this year.

Clarkson also pointed to the massive change at Hawthorn since last year, with the president, chief executive, football manager and captain all changing.

It would be disastrous for Hawthorn if Clarkson jumped ship.

"It's disrespectful to talk about coaches from opposition clubs," Clarkson said of Buckley.

"All I know is that from our point of view, we're in a little bit of a transition phase.

"We've had a lot of change at our club, in particular over the last 12-18 months.

"It's pretty important that the coach doesn't change as well."

The comments come a day after North Melbourne coach Brad Scott reaffirmed his commitment to the Kangaroos.

Scott has also been linked to Collingwood and Gold Coast as well if they change coaches.

Source: AAP