Colby McKercher downplays Alastair Clarkson’s punch, describing it as the coach demonstrating concern.

Young Kangaroos star Colby McKercher has brushed aside concerns regarding coach Alastair Clarkson’s aggressive approach during last night’s match against Carlton, insisting that “it’s his way of showing care”.

The Kangaroos came to life in the final quarter, scoring seven goals to overturn a 22-point deficit at three-quarter time, ultimately winning the match 14.12 (96) to 13.8 (86).

However, Clarkson’s actions at the three-quarter time break drew considerable attention, albeit for the wrong reasons.

Frustrated with McKercher for allowing his opponent, Jagga Smith, to slip past during a stoppage to score a goal, Clarkson confronted the 20-year-old with intensity, delivering a sharp punch to McKercher’s chest while reprimanding him for his oversight.

While many in the AFL community interpreted Clarkson’s outburst as a tactic to motivate McKercher, the young player had a subdued final term, notching only five disposals in the second half compared to 19 in the first.

Speaking to Fox Footy about the episode, McKercher expressed disappointment for letting his teammates down, noting, “It was a forward-50 stoppage and I had kind of switched off mentally a bit.”

“I realised Jagga Smith had snuck through and scored a goal, who was my match-up at the time,” he explained. “I recognised my mistake as soon as it happened, and when I saw him coming for me during the break, I thought, ‘Here we go.’ But I have a strong relationship with Clarko.”

He added, “We patched things up after the game. I see his actions as his way of showing he cares. He’s tough on me because he genuinely wants the best for me.”

McKercher clarified that he didn’t take Clarkson’s actions to heart. “He’s aiming to elicit a response from me to enhance my performance in those key moments,” he elaborated. “As I mentioned, we enjoy a solid relationship. I trust his judgement completely. He was clearly fired up, but that’s just the nature of the game. These things happen.” 

Former player Cane Kornes commented on the AFL website that such behaviour is indicative of what made Clarkson “an outstanding coach” in the past.

“That is what has made him great,” Kornes noted. “I feel he’s mellowed a bit at times. However, his standards should naturally rise as this team improves, especially considering McKercher is nearing 50 games and about to turn 21; he should be expected to contribute more as a talented player.”

“I see nothing wrong with this coaching style. It is precisely what has established Clarkson as a demanding and effective coach over the years.”