North Melbourne caretaker Brett Ratten stays in the dead of night about when coach Alastair Clarkson will return from his self-imposed interval of go away from the membership.
The pair have solely had snippets of interplay since Clarkson stepped away from the Kangaroos earlier this month, citing the continuing toll of the Hawthorn racism saga.
“I’ve got no indication of when he’ll return,” Ratten instructed Fox Footy on Monday evening.
“I’ve texted Al once and he replied, and before each game he’s just sent me a message of support.
“That’s a tough bit while you’re caught right here on this place. I need to attain out and say, ‘what are you after? What do you need to do?’
“But that’s not going to help him, thinking about footy.
“He must do all of the issues that might take his thoughts away from the sport and permit himself the time to get properly.”
Clarkson, Chris Fagan and Jason Burt have been named in allegations of racism during their time at Hawthorn.
All deny any wrongdoing.
Ratten said North Melbourne’s coaching staff are sticking to Clarkson’s plan while he is away but will make tough calls if required.
The former St Kilda and Carlton coach also threw his support behind Ben McKay after the key defender’s below-par outing in the 35-point loss to Collingwood on Sunday.
“We’re not altering something. I’m retaining the seat heat, we need to hold the identical course of transferring ahead,” Ratten stated.
“But if gamers are in type or out of shape or there must be adjustments, we’ll have these conversations.
“Ben didn’t perform to the level that he’s capable of and he probably had some plays that he would like back, but he’s a way better player than that.
“Only the week earlier than he performed rather well on Lance Franklin for 3 quarters.”
North Melbourne fell agonisingly short of victory against Sydney in Ratten’s first game in charge before losing to Collingwood.
They tackle Essendon at Marvel Stadium on Sunday, hoping to keep away from a tenth consecutive loss.
Source: www.perthnow.com.au
