North Melbourne head coach Alastair Clarkson has claimed he sees the light at the end of the tunnel in what was a "productive and worthwhile two days" of conciliation talks with former Hawthorn players.
Entering the talks headed by the Human Rights Commission, Clarkson believes there's been progress made toward a resolution but still acknowledges the "process is complete".
"Start by expressing my gratitude to the Human Rights Commission for providing the platform for us all to get together and try to resolve a dispute that has been ongoing for the past 18 months," Clarkson said on Thursday.
"The last two days have represented the first chance that we've had to sit down together and do what you should always do and resolve difficult situations and that's talk about it.
"That was a really productive and worthwhile two days but the process is actually incomplete.
"Until such time it is over, then we're bound by confidentiality to discuss anything about the proceedings at all."
Gearing up for the Good Friday clash with Carlton, the four-time premiership coach is determined to turn his focus to Round 3 whilst "respecting" the process that still needs to play out.
“It's amazing how you compartmentalise and get things done – it was a really important step to take, and as I said we're really grateful that the Human Rights Commission provided that platform for us,” Clarkson said.
“I appreciate all the questioning about it, but I also respect that we're not at liberty to discuss anything about it.”
Brisbane coach Chris Fagan was also in attendance at the conciliation talks with former Hawks players.