Doubts over AFL’s Hawthorn racism inquiry

Roger Vaughan and Shayne Hope | October 20, 2022

AFL boss Gillon McLachlan is still unsure whether the parties who have levelled racism allegations against Hawthorn will participate in the league’s investigation into the matter.

The investigation will include mediation if needed and the league is projecting it will end in December, with the resulting report to be made public.

Initial statements are due on November 4.

If the investigation finds anyone should be subject to a discipline process, that would be a separate process under AFL rules.

Terms of reference for the investigation were released by the AFL on Thursday, with senior lawyer Bernard Quinn KC appointed on October 4 to lead the four-person panel.

However, there is still doubt over whether the parties that contributed to Hawthorn’s cultural safety review will take part in the AFL’s investigation.

“There are no guarantees,” McLachlan told reporters on Thursday.

“We’re obviously encouraging the complainants to tell their story.

“We believe it’s an independent, culturally diverse panel.

“The terms of reference are transparent, the process we believe gives cultural safety and we’re here at the behest of the families.

“So we are encouraging them to (participate) but ultimately that will be a decision for the complainants.”

The inquiry was commissioned after bombshell allegations of racism and other inappropriate behaviour at Hawthorn between 2008-16.

New North Melbourne coach Alastair Clarkson, who led Hawthorn to four premierships, and Brisbane coach Chris Fagan have stood down from their roles because of the allegations.

McLachlan said the pair will return to work “when the time is right” but no date has been set. 

“We’re anticipating they’ll come back to work and they’ve actually respected the seriousness of these allegations by going on leave,” McLachlan said.

“I actually think that they’re to be commended and I think with the terms of reference being on foot, hopefully the process that follows actually gives some certainty for the accused and the complainants.

“I’m sure the clubs will be picking up the conversation about if there’s an environment for them to come back to work.

“Ultimately it’s a decision for the clubs.”