Dual premiership coach Malcolm Blight understands Alastair Clarkson’s decision to take a break from coaching in 2022.
The four-time premiership coach ruled himself out of the Carlton coaching race to spend time with his family and “undertake further study and personal development opportunities” next year.
Blight thinks a break to freshen up will do Clarkson the world of good.
“I think it’s probably wise because there will be another job for him,” Blight told SEN’s Whateley.
“I think he can go and freshen up. I know he’s always keen to improve and do something else. There will be a job next year and the year after and the year after, and everyone will remember what Alastair Clarkson has done.
“Having the year off I think will probably do him good.
“He’ll never break the Hawthorn mould, neither he should, but it’ll just help him freshen up to look at the game and other teams.”
Clarkson told reporters in late July that he planned to sit out 2022 after Hawthorn’s coaching handover involving Sam Mitchell was brought forward a year.
“I’m just going to take a breath,” Clarkson said.
“I'm just going to take a breather. Right at the present time, my commitment is to have a spell and see where 2023 will take me.”