Brisbane Lions chair Andrew Wellington has thrown the club’s support behind embattled coach Chris Fagan as he prepares to take part in an AFL investigation into allegations levelled at him and Alastair Clarkson about the treatment of Indigenous players and their families during their time at Hawthorn.
Fagan, who has been the Lions’ coach for the past six seasons, has denied any wrongdoing during his time at the Hawks, when he was director of coaching and football manager from 2008-2016.
However, he has taken a leave of absence from his job as Lions coach to take part in an AFL investigation into the matters contained in a Hawthorn-commissioned review that explored the experiences of their Indigenous players while at the club.
Brisbane Lions senior coach Chris Fagan is taking a leave of absence to cooperate with an AFL investigation into racism allegations.Credit:Getty Images
In a statement, Wellington supported the investigation, which he said will give Fagan procedural fairness, while highlighting the Lions’ respect for their coach.
“Since Chris Fagan arrived at the Brisbane Lions in October 2016, he has been more than just our head coach. He has been a role model, a mentor, and a father figure,” Wellington said.
“He has played a key role in steering our club into the strong position it’s in today; integral to our success on and off the field.
“In all of my dealings with Chris over the past six years, he has always made the welfare of our players and staff an utmost priority.
“Chris has been a great supporter of all of our players and their families and has worked hard to ensure our club provides a culturally safe environment for everyone.
“We stand by Chris as he commits himself to be part of the AFL investigation, which gives him procedural fairness, into allegations concerning historical events at the Hawthorn Football Club, where he was a former employee.
