The author of Hawthorn’s review into cultural safety – which led to the ongoing investigation into allegations of racism at the club – was arrested on Tuesday relating to claims of fraud at an Aboriginal organisation he managed.
Phil Egan, who played for both Richmond and Melbourne, was arrested over the alleged mishandling of funds during his time as manager at the Murray Valley Aboriginal Cooperative (MVAC) in Robinvale, which he led between 2010 and 2012.
Former Richmond player Phil Egan (right) conducted the recent review into cultural safety at Hawthorn.Credit:Fairfax Media
Following his arrest, the 60-year-old was interviewed by detectives from the financial crime squad. He was later released, but Victoria Police confirmed he is expected to be charged with fraud-related offences.
Egan told the ABC on Wednesday that the interview was a scheduled appointment that he had been asked to attend to clarify matters. The former footballer denied all wrongdoing, saying he had co-operated with detectives and would continue to do so.
Phil Egan was the author of Hawthorn’s review into cultural safety.Credit:Wayne Ludbey
Egan’s advisor Peter Jess said there should be a presumption of innocence and Egan had not committed any fraud.
“Where is the fairness in this? Every person who is involved with the police has a presumed level of innocence,” he said.
“There has been no fraud. There is a proper governance inside the co-op. Every program was approved and every payment was authorised.
Jess said Egan’s arrest had no impact on the AFL’s investigation into allegations of racism at Hawthorn. “It’s a sideshow,” he said.
He said Egan had not appeared before the AFL’s independent panel because the Hawks would not release Egan from the non-disclosure agreement he signed.
The cultural safety review authored by Egan led to an investigation into the treatment of several First Nations players and their families.
Egan released a statement in December denying any wrongdoing, and instead claimed the emergence of such allegations was an attempt to undermine the integrity of the ongoing AFL investigation into allegations of racism at the Hawks between 2008 to 2016, which is based on information in the report he provided to Hawthorn.
“I categorically deny that I have stolen from the Murray Valley Aboriginal Cooperative (MVAC) in any way whatsoever. At all times I have acted with honesty, integrity and in the best interests of the MVAC,” Egan wrote.
He is now the managing director at consulting firm, Binmada.
The AFL and Hawthorn Football Club have been contacted for comment.
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