Hawthorn AFL coach Alastair Clarkson has been diagnosed with Guillain-Barre syndrome (GBS) after being admitted to hospital on Monday night suffering acute back pain.
Clarkson is expected to remain in hospital for a week, with assistant coach Brendon Bolton to coach the Hawks in his absence.
GBS is an inflammation of the nerves from the spinal cord.
Clarkson has already shown a positive response to treatment and is a stable condition.
Specialists are confident he will make a full recovery.
Hawthorn CEO Stuart Fox said the club would not take any risks with 46-year-old Clarkson’s health.
“We’re fortunate that Alastair’s condition has been detected early, and we’re confident he is in the best possible hands under the care of very experienced specialists,” Fox said in a statement.
“Our primary concern is for Alastair’s health and a timeline for his return to coaching is not a consideration at this stage.
“The club will provide support for Alastair and his family for as long as it takes him to recover.”
Bolton has been unanimously appointed as interim coach.
“Having worked together for six years, Alastair and Brendon share very similar coaching, teaching and management philosophies,” Fox said.
“The club has complete confidence that Brendon can step in temporarily for Alastair for as long as may be required.
“With the support of the other assistant coaches, development coaches, leadership group and players, we are confident Brendon’s transition as temporary senior coach will be seamless.”
Bolton’s first match at the helm will be against Greater Western Sydney on Sunday at the MCG.