Biography
Alastair Thomas Clarkson (born 27 April 1968), widely known as Alastair Clarkson, is a respected Australian rugby union coach and former player.
He is currently the head coach of the North Melbourne Football Club in the Australian Football League (AFL). Renowned for his strategic acumen and leadership abilities, Clarkson previously held the position of head coach at the Hawthorn Football Club from 2005 to 2021, where he led the team to an impressive four premierships.
Alastair Clarkson’s remarkable achievements have established him as one of the most distinguished figures in AFL coaching history.
Australian Coach
Alastair Clarkson |
|
|---|---|
 Alastair Clarkson: History ‧ Biography ‧ Photos |
|
| Wiki Events & About Data | |
| Full name: | Alastair Thomas Clarkson |
| Stage name: | Alastair Clarkson |
| Born: | April 27, 1968 (age 56) |
| Place of birth: | Kaniva, Victoria, Australia |
| Nationality: | Australia |
| Education: | Monash University |
| Height: | 1.77 minutes |
| Parents: | Jeanette Clarkson, Tom Clarkson |
| Siblings: | Ruth Clarkson and Andrew Clarkson |
| Couple: | Caryn Clarkson (married 1992) |
| Girlfriend • Partner: | Do not have |
| The children: | Stephanie Clarkson, Matthew Clarkson, Georgia Clarkson |
| Job: | Coach • Football Rules |
| Net worth: | $5 million – $10 million (USD) |
Early life and education
Alastair Clarkson, a famous figure in the Australian football world, was born on April 27, 1968, in the quiet rural area of Kaniva, Victoria.
He was raised by loving and supportive parents, Tom Clarkson (father) and Jeanette Clarkson (mother), and two siblings, Andrew Clarkson (father) and Ruth Clarkson (mother).
Alastair Clarkson attended Ballarat Clarendon College in his early years before pursuing further studies at Monash UniversityThe school’s prestigious Faculty of Business and Economics, where he graduated with honors.
Career
Originally from Kaniva, Victoria, Alastair Clarkson began his footballing journey, having the honour of representing both North Melbourne and Melbourne from 1987 to 1997, amassing a commendable 134 appearances. Notably, in his VFL debut for North Melbourne in 1987, Clarkson made an indelible mark by scoring the winning goal just after the final whistle.
In 1999, Clarkson embarked on a coaching career, starting as an assistant coach at St Kilda. He progressed rapidly, taking over as head coach at Werribee in 2000, followed by a spell as senior coach at Central District in South Australia from 2001. Notably, in his first season at Central District, Clarkson led the team to a memorable premiership victory.
Moving to Port Adelaide in 2003, Alastair Clarkson initially worked as a midfield coach before moving up to the forwards coach role the following year. However, it was in 2005 that Clarkson’s coaching legacy truly blossomed when he took on the role of senior coach at Hawthorn. Despite initial scepticism during the club’s rebuilding phase, Clarkson orchestrated a rapid turnaround, culminating in a premiership win in his fourth season.
Renowned for his team’s attacking style of play and relentless commitment to hard work, Alastair Clarkson’s leadership skills shone through. Under his tutelage, Hawthorn won four premierships in 2008, 2013, 2014 and 2015, while also reaching six Grand Finals. On three occasions, Clarkson’s remarkable achievements were duly recognised with the AFL Coach of the Year award, cementing his status as one of the AFL’s coaching stars.
Awards & Nominations
- Four AFL Premiership coaches: 2008, 2013, 2014, 2015
- Four All-Australian team coaches: 2008, 2013, 2014, 2015
- SANFL Championship Coach: 2001
- AFLCA Coach of the Year Award: 2008, 2013, 2014, 2015
- JJ Liston Cup: 2008, 2013, 2014, 2015
- Herald Sun Coach of the Year: 2008, 2013, 2014, 2015
- Allen Jeans MVP Award: 2013
- Australian Sports Commission Coach of the Year: 2014
- Sports Performer and Entertainer of the Year: 2008
- Telstra AFL Coach of the Year Award: 2008, 2013, 2014, 2015
Social media
Alastair Clarkson does not appear to have any public social media accounts.
Personal life
Alastair Clarkson, 56, a respected figure in Australian football, has been happily married to his beloved wife, Caryn Clarkson, for nearly three decades. The couple started their journey together in 1992 and have been inseparable ever since.
Together, they have been blessed with three wonderful children who bring great joy and pride to their lives. These adorable children are two daughters, Stephanie Clarkson and Georgia Clarkson, and a son, Matthew Clarkson. As a close-knit family, the Clarksons continue to form strong bonds and create cherished memories that will last a lifetime.
Net worth
Alastair Clarkson’s estimated net worth is between $5 million and $10 million. Additionally, as the senior coach of Hawthorn, he earns a substantial annual salary of $1.5 million. In addition to his coaching income, Clarkson also enjoys several endorsement deals, which contribute to his overall financial success.
