Alastair Clarkson, a former Hawthorn champion coach, was a member of their 2013 AFL flag-winning team’s 10-year reunion.
Given his ongoing issues with the Hawks over the racism controversy that surfaced a year ago, it was uncertain whether the current North Melbourne coach would attend the festivities.
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But former Hawk Jordan Lewis, a member of all four premiership teams under by Clarkson, confirmed the coach was on a well-attended Wednesday boat cruise.
That followed Tuesday night’s reunion function, which Lewis did not clarify whether Clarkson also attended.
But he added Western Bulldogs coach Luke Beveridge, who was previously an assistant at Hawthorn under Clarkson, was also on the boat cruise.
“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.
The saga has taken a heavy toll on Clarkson, who had time away from his current role at North this season for health reasons.
Meanwhile, it is unclear whether Hawthorn and Sydney great Lance Franklin will be part of the pre-game motorcade of newly-retired players at the grand final.
Lewis said he spoke to Franklin this week and is unsure whether the star forward — the biggest name to call it quits this season — will be at the MCG.
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