A Giant Clarko spectre for Mark
GREATER Western Sydney coaching contender Mark McVeigh has conceded, like all aspirants, he is “up against it” if Alastair Clarkson wants the Giants’ job.
Clarkson has discussed the role with GWS decision-makers, in a move that suggests he is at least open to being Leon Cameron’s long-term successor, after McVeigh stepped up as caretaker in May. The four-time premiership coach resigned as Hawthorn’s coach at the end of last season - paving the way for Hawks great Sam Mitchell to take over and opted to sit out of AFL football this year.
Clarkson spent time overseas and even got involved with Tasmania’s pitch for its own AFL team but there is an expectation he will coach somewhere in 2023.
The Giants were the first team to have a vacancy when they parted ways with longtime coach Cameron, putting them in pole position for Clarkson, if he is interested.
“If I look at Alastair Clarkson from afar; you respect him so much because of what he’s been able to do,” McVeigh said.
“Ultimately, it’ll come down to, I suggest, what he would like to do, where he wants to go
and he’s earned that right. I bring my own set of values.
“They’d be different to his, they’re different to Leon Cameron’s and they’re different to other assistant coaches who will go for that role.
“I’ll present to the footy club, and I’ll talk to them about that, (but) whether that’s good enough, we’ll wait and see.
“I know and I understand that if Alastair Clarkson says, ‘I want to come to the Giants’, I’m up against it, just because that’s the way it should be. He’s been an incredible coach for a long period of time.”
McVeigh hopes his understanding of the GWS environment and strong relationships with players will work in his favour. The Giants have won three of their six games since McVeigh’s been in charge, albeit against teams below them in West Coast, North Melbourne and Hawthorn, with Port Adelaide up next.
They regain James Peatling (hamstring) and are considering recalling star on-baller Jacob Hopper, who amassed 18 disposals and five clearances in his VFL return last week from multiple knee surgeries.
McVeigh said they had “massively” missed Hopper, who enjoyed an outstanding 2021 season, as much for his on-field leadership as his actual football.