Hawthorn president-elect Peter Nankivell says the club is aware it could face sanctions as a result of the AFL investigation into historical allegations of racism against key figures.
Nankivell – who is aiming to be elected as Jeff Kennett’s official replacement next month – has been working with the First Nations families at the centre of the allegations, which involve former employees Alastair Clarkson, Chris Fagan and Jason Burt.
Speaking to the Herald Sun, Nankivell was hopeful all parties involved in the allegations would participate in the investigation, saying.
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“If you are talking about the truth and reconciliation, it requires everybody in the room,” he said.
“And I think true reconciliation can only occur if that’s the outcome”.
Part of the AFL-appointed panel’s independent investigation is set to centre on whether the club’s management or board was aware of inappropriate behaviour.
Melbourne’s tanking investigation in 2013 resulted in a $500,000 fine given the conduct of its coaches, while Carlton was slapped with a nearly $1 million fine and stripped of several early draft picks as a result of deliberate salary cap breaches.
Nankivell told the Herald Sun he was aware considerable sanctions could loom depending on the outcomes of the investigation.
“Yes, this in essence is an independent panel, but it’s a subset of an AFL disciplinary process,” he said.
“So, if there is fault and or policies have been breached and there are sanctions, we are acutely aware of that.
“I think the board is charged with being responsible for the good governance and conduct of the football club at a point in time, and if there are legacy issues or historical issues where we have been at fault then we are responsible.”
