Brendon Bolton admits his tendency to tackle adversity with more hard work might’ve played some role in his sacking as Carlton coach.

The Blues terminated Bolton’s contract in June this year after leading the club to just 16 wins from 77 games, including three from his final 33 matches.

In his first in-depth interview since his axing — which will air on ABC Grandstand on Sunday — Bolton opened up on his tough 2019, which also included the passing of his father just 11 weeks after he was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer.

🚨 EXCLUSIVE: Brendon Bolton opens up on his difficulties post-sacking.



🔊 "On top of that my dad was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer and he passed away within 11 weeks in that period."



📻 Listen to the full interview on @abcgrandstand on Sunday from midday with @AlisterNicho. pic.twitter.com/WRfqsDwsRb — ABC Grandstand (@abcgrandstand) December 6, 2019

Finals Week 1

Stream over 50 sports live & anytime on your TV or favourite device with KAYO SPORTS. The biggest Aussie sports and the best from overseas. Just $25/month. No lock-in contract. Get your 14 day free trial >

Bolton said his “default position is to work harder and with more detail”, which built pressure on him at Carlton and was potentially a “layer” to his demise.

Bolton said every list and coaching call during his Carlton tenure was made in “the best interests of the Carlton footy club”, but added the Blues might’ve “played the long-term game for too long”.

“Some short-term decisions around bringing some more men in early may have helped,” he told ABC Grandstand’s Alastair Nicholson.

Bolton remained out of the public eye in the months after his sacking, but was swiftly picked up again by Hawthorn — the club he was an assistant coach at earlier this decade — to be Alastair Clarkson’s senior lieutenant.

Brendon Bolton was sacked as Carlton coach in June. Picture: Quinn Rooney Source: Getty Images

But Bolton said he often felt “numb” during his time away from the AFL landscape.

“It becomes your lifestyle. It’s not a job, it’s just a way of being,” Bolton said.

“I’d gone from 2000 miles an hour, in terms of work, to zero, so that was a shock in itself. And I’d been working incredibly hard for a long time … there’s a bit of a numb feeling there.

“Going through that, there’s a lot of public scrutiny. On top of that my dad was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer and he passed away within 11 weeks in that period.

“It was a tough time, but a time where you’ve got to reflect and gather your thoughts and move forward.”

“I do know that I love helping people and I’m enjoying being able to do that at the Hawks.”