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Clarkson joins in Hawks' 2013 premiership reunion

3 minute read

Four-time Hawthorn premiership player Jordan Lewis has confirmed coach Alastair Clarkson was part of this week's reunion for the team that won the 2013 flag.

ALASTAIR CLARKSON.
ALASTAIR CLARKSON. Picture: Adam Trafford/AFL Media/Getty Images

Four-time Hawthorn premiership coach Alastair Clarkson has been part of the 10-year reunion of their flag-winning 2013 team.

It was unclear whether the current North Melbourne coach would be part of the festivities, given his ongoing tensions with the Hawks over the racism saga that broke a year ago.

But former Hawk Jordan Lewis, a member of all four premiership teams coached by Clarkson, confirmed he was on a well-attended Wednesday boat cruise.

That followed Tuesday night's reunion function and Lewis did not clarify whether Clarkson was at that dinner as well.

But he added Western Bulldogs coach Luke Beveridge, who was previously an assistant at Hawthorn under Clarkson, also was 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 FoxFooty's AFL360 program.

"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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