AFL Coaches Association CEO Alistair Nicholson is urging the AFL to expedite the investigation into historical allegations made against former Hawthorn Football Club coaches Alastair Clarkson and Chris Fagan to ensure they are afforded natural justice given the ongoing media coverage of the issue.
In a statement released on Wednesday morning, Nicholson said the coaches named in the Hawthorn Football Club report were not interviewed, nor provided with an opportunity to respond to the allegations made before it was handed to the club and AFL.
“They still have not had an opportunity to respond in full to the claims made in the report, which has now been provided to two major media outlets,” the statement read.
Alastair Clarkson and Chris Fagan.Credit:Getty Images
“The allegations are confronting and warrant proper examination. Our thoughts are with the players and their families who have shared their stories, as well as other First Nations people who have been directly or indirectly affected by the publicity around the report.
“Coaches are regularly called on to provide advice and support on non-football related issues, particularly with younger players who have left home to join an AFL club,” he said.
“It would significantly enhance the investigation if someone who intimately understands that environment, and has deep experience in managing the wellbeing of players, was included on the panel.”
Nicholson went on to say both Clarkson and Fagan have “strongly denied the allegations made”.
“The investigation will allow both coaches to share their version of events, and until that investigation is complete and due process has been followed they should be afforded natural justice,” he said.
Alastair Clarkson in his final season as Hawthorn coach.Credit:AFL Photos
Fagan has strongly denied any wrongdoing during his time at the Hawks when he was director of coaching and football manager from 2008 to 2016. Brisbane Lions chair Andrew Wellington has thrown the club’s support behind him.
Clarkson last week stated he “refutes any allegation of wrongdoing or misconduct”. He has delayed his start at North Melbourne as senior coach until the AFL completes its investigation.
Kangaroos president Sonja Hood has said she supports Clarkson’s version of events, saying she’s “really confident in his side of the story”.
“I’m sure we will get a chance to hear that through the AFL’s process,” Hood said.
The AFL Coaches Association said it is continuing to offer both coaches their support with a focus on their personal wellbeing.
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