One of the most successful coaches in AFL history, Alastair Clarkson led the Hawthorn Football Club to four premierships in 2008 and 2013-15.
The 2008 flag win against Geelong was Hawthorn's first since 1991 and it was Clarkson second notable premiership as a senior coach – his first coming in 2001 at SANFL side Central Districts.
Clarkson was appointed head coach of Hawthorn at the beginning of its rebuild in 2005 and departed the club at the end of the 2020 season after 390 games at the helm.
Throughout his time at Hawthorn, Clarkson notched 228 wins including 16 finals victories and five Grand Final appearances for four flag wins, including the famous three-peat.
Prior to coaching, he also enjoyed a 134-game stint as an AFL player.
After making his debut for North Melbourne in 1987, Clarkson went onto play 93 games and kick 61 goals in his nine seasons as a Kangaroo before switching in 1996 to Melbourne, where he made 41 appearances.
He made a memorable debut for the Roos against the Demons in Round 15, 1987. Aged just 19, he booted three goals including the match-winner after the siren.
In late 2022, Shinboner No.781 returned to Arden Street to begin coaching the club on a five-year deal.
