Former Carlton list manager Nick Austin has reached a settlement with the club following his abrupt departure, which he described as a 'brutal blindside'. Austin was reportedly shocked when he was told during a five-minute meeting on Tuesday that he no longer worked for the Blues, the same day Michael Voss stepped down as coach.
Carlton initially stated that Austin had resigned after discussions with management, but reports later emerged that he was blindsided and considering legal options. AFL great Nick Riewoldt questioned whether Austin could pursue unfair dismissal, given the club's list performance.
7SPORT expert Tom Morris revealed that Austin walked into work unaware he would lose his job, and the meeting lasted only five minutes. 7NEWS chief AFL reporter Mitch Cleary noted the contrast between Austin's five years of service and the brief meeting.
Carlton has appointed football boss Chris Davies to oversee list management duties for the foreseeable future. The club's list build in recent years involved input from CEO Graham Wright and Davies, suggesting Austin was not solely responsible.
