Alastair Clarkson is awarded life membership at Hawthorn and cites legendary Hawks coach John Kennedy snr as having had a huge influence on his career.

"John Kennedy was my coach when I first came down to play at North Melbourne and you wouldn't think at that point in time I'd have Hawthorn royalty having such an impact on me at such a young age," Clarkson said.

"That helped shape me enormously."

Marc McGowan for AFL.com.au