AFL chairman Richard Goyder has praised the “immense courage” it took for those involved in the shocking Hawthorn racism report to come forward, and pledged find a “just outcome” for all concerned.
Speaking at the Grand Final Breakfast on Saturday, Goyder described the distressing allegations as “another challenge” for the game.
Among the allegations levelled at former senior Hawks staff, including coach Alastair Clarkson, assistant Chris Fagan and player development manager Jason Burt, are separating First Nations players from their partners and the most shocking claim that one player was told to tell his partner to have an abortion.
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“There’s immense courage telling the story and sharing your experiences and the enormous hurt, anger and sadness you’re feeling,” Goyder said on Saturday.
“The AFL Commission acknowledges your hurt and our commitment is to provide whatever care we can, while ensuring the work of the panel appointed to investigate provides the most just outcome for all parties concerned.
“One of the strongest elements of football is that the footy family comes together so strongly and effectively when any of us face major challenges and/or are confronted by tragedy. It’s critical that the best of the footy family come together at this time together to address the moment and improve every part of our game.
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“We must ensure that everyone is truly welcome and truly safe in our game. That is non-negotiable. That is our commitment to those in our game and those who love our game.”
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese acknowledged it’s been a “difficult week for the AFL” when he spoke at Saturday’s breakfast function.
“We know that discrimination has no part in our game, just as discrimination has no part in our country. And I know that the AFL and everyone who loves footy will be doing their best to deal with these issues openly and transparently, as must occur,” Albanese said.
Outgoing AFL CEO Gillon McLachlan said he did not know how involved he would be in the investigation into the damning Hawthorn allegations, given his looming exit.
“That’s a decision for Richard (Goyder) – it is something though that is incredibly important that it gets resolved,” he said.
“That obviously has to be sorted for both the complainants and those accused – and that will be done.
“It needs to be settled.”
The accusations come after Hawthorn commissioned an external report following claims made by club great Cyril Rioli earlier this year on how he was treated that ultimately drove him out of the club in 2018.
In the wake of the shocking claims, Clarkson will not begin his new five-year role at North Melbourne coach as planned, pending the investigation.
Fagan has stepped away as Brisbane coach on personal leave as the investigation commences, while Burt has taken indefinite leave from his current role at a private Melbourne school.
Both Fagan and Clarkson have denied claims of wrongdoing.
