It had been unclear what the legendary coach would do, given the bitter tensions with his former club.
Alastair Clarkson, a four-time Hawthorn premiership coach, is a member of the 2013 AFL flag-winning team’s ten-year reunion.
Given his ongoing conflicts with the Hawks over the racism scandal that surfaced a year ago, it was uncertain if the current North Melbourne coach would participate in the celebrations.
It was unbelievable — you’d be in a conversation over here and look over and Clarko was talking and having a laugh,” Lewis told AFL 360.
“He seemed like he was really enjoying the day. Just a moment to sit back, relax and talk about the stories.
Hawks great Cyril Rioli, one of the Indigenous Hawks players whose allegations sparked the racism controversy, did not attend the reunion, according to Lewis
Chris Fagan, also a member of the Hawks football department before he took over as Brisbane coach, and Lions player Jack Gunston did not attend as their current club prepares for Saturday’s grand final against Collingwood.
Clarkson, Fagan and former Hawthorn staffer Jason Burt were at the centre of the racism accusations that surfaced a year ago. All deny any wrongdoing.
A recently as a month ago, public comments from Clarkson and current Hawks coach Sam Mitchell left it unclear whether the mastermind of the four Hawks flags would attend the reunion.
Clarkson has been greatly impacted by the incident; this season, he had to take time off from his current position at North due to health issues.
Hawthorn and Sydney great Lance Franklin may or may not join the freshly retired players’ pre-game motorcade at the grand final, however.
The star forward, who is the biggest name to retire this season, may or may not play at the MCG, according to Lewis, who said he spoke with Franklin this week.
