Corners of the football community have come out in defence of Alastair Clarkson following his decision to step away from North Melbourne coaching duties as a result of the ongoing Hawthorn investigations.

Clarkson, who is central to serious claims of misconduct from former First Nations players at the Hawks and their partners which broke in September, stepped away from his coaching role at the Kangaroos on an indefinite basis on Thursday.

The 55-year-old was head coach of Hawthorn at the time of alleged events, which amongst other allegations include claims an Indigenous player and his partner were pressured into terminating a pregnancy.

North attributed the resulting emotional and physical stress to Clarkson's decision.

Current Brisbane coach Chris Fagan and former Hawks player development manager Jason Burt are also to central investigations.

All three deny any wrongdoing.

An independent investigation panel, led by Bernard Quinn KC, was appointed shortly after the allegations surfaced with an initial end date to the probe forecast for before Christmas.

Months-on, criticisms have turned toward the drawn out investigative proceedings - despite the seriousness of the claims against the former Hawthorn staff.

Following Clarkson's decision on Thursday, the AFL Coaches' association, AFL chief executive Gillon McLachlan and Fagan expressed their support for the North coach, among others.

"AFL coaching is a high stress job and the AFLCA has offered Alastair its support as he steps away from the game for his mental health and wellbeing," AFL Coaches' Association chief executive Alistair Nicholson said.

"Today's announcement underscores the importance of expediting the investigation into the Hawthorn issue for all parties involved.

"It has taken too long and is taking a significant toll on those at the centre of the issue."

McLachlan said the "burden" of the investigation has been felt by the parties involved, and commended Clarkson for his "courage" in stepping away from coaching for the time being.

Speaking at a press conference on Thursday, Kangaroos general manager of football Todd Viney said the last eight months have "really weighed him (Clarkson) down in the mental space," and he had barely slept over the period.

"He felt that he just couldn't do it anymore," Viney said.

"...he's dealing with the constant unknown around this investigation. It's really taken a mental toll to the point where he just feels like he needs to get himself right before he can help his family, first and foremost,, and us as a club."

Both Clarkson and Fagan have said they have not yet given their side of the events to investigators.

Last week, Clarkson unloaded while speaking at a press conference to criticised the investigation procedure and "shameful" governance and conduct of Hawthorn throughout.

In a statement, Fagan said "saddened" to see his "friend and colleague" step away, before reiterating his frustrations at situation.

"I know him to be a person of very good character who has had an overwhelmingly positive influence on the lives of the young men he has coached," Fagan's statement read, according to reports.

"The deeply flawed process that we have been subjected to has taken a heavy toll. It has been profoundly damaging and unfair. It is my hope that it will very soon come to an appropriate end."

Fagan said "the football community is immeasurably better off with Clarko in it" and extended his thoughts to Clarkson and his family.

Later in his press conference, Viney said there was no specific mention of 'leaked' details of the investigation from the overseeing panel which led to Clarkson's outburst being a last "tipping point", but that the overall situation had taken its toll.

Viney remains confident Clarkson will return back to coaching the Kangaroos.