Norm Smith was the AFL Coach of the Century. Starting at Fitzroy then guiding Melbourne to be the powerhouse of the 50s and early 60s for six flags, including 7 grand finals in a row and 8 in total.
But his reputation became legendary after he took over perennial battlers South Melbourne and guided them into the ‘final four’ in 1970.
His genius was to take a take of team of battlers with a few stars and mould them, and the club, into a powerful unit. Poor health cut Smith down from 1971.
Maybe I’m wrong, but if Clarkson could take us to the holy grail I reckon he would surpass Smith. Such a prospect may appeal to him, especially with him living Bayside. The work/life balance would be also good for him.
He doesn’t have anything else to prove at the Hawks. Unless we ask the question we’ll never know.