The AFL reportedly has a pool of over $1 million that could help cover legal expenses for Alastair Clarkson, Chris Fagan and Jason Burt as the inquiry into alleged misconduct at Hawthorn continues.
Clarkson, Fagan and Burt are facing allegations of mistreatment of First Nations players during their time at the club, with an AFL inquiry well underway.
The Age reported on Friday the league has a pool of “well over $1 million” available to cover legal costs for individuals.
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The policy covering the fees requires the funds to be distributed to Hawthorn first.
All three individuals have retained legal representation for the inquiry, while several First Nations players participating in the inquiry are receiving free legal representation from firm Arnold Bloch Leibler, which took up the case on a pro bono basis.
The report says Hawthorn is frustrated the AFL’s pool will not cover the club’s legal costs, which have already entered into the hundreds of thousands of dollars.
It was revealed last week Hawthorn legend Cyril Rioli and wife Shannyn made submissions to the inquiry, which had terms of reference finalised in mid-October.
While it was initially forecasted to be completed in December, the inquiry looks poised to stretch into the AFL’s 2023 season.
Clarkson and Fagan are both expected to coach their respective sides.
Clarkson is being represented by Corrs Chambers Westgarth, Fagan by Clayton Utz and a Brisbane-based King’s Counsel and Burt by Tony Hargreaves.
All three have denied the allegations.
