AFL report will determine fate of Hawthorn forward Jon Patton

Jeff Kennett has revealed the AFL has taken control of the Jon Patton investigation and any judgment on the forward will be “made based on fact”.

Hawthorn president Jeff Kennett has revealed the AFL has taken control of the Jonathon Patton investigation.

Patton was stood down by the Hawks from all club commitments in early January pending the outcome of an investigation of allegations of inappropriate behaviour on social media.

The club’s Integrity Committee was investigating the issue, but Kennett disclosed in a letter to club members on Friday the AFL had now taken control.

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“You would have heard or read about issues relating to Jon Patton. The club takes very seriously the allegations made against Jon, as does the AFL,” Kennett wrote.

“The AFL have taken control of the process under their existing policy. In due course they will report back to the club when their investigations are complete.

The AFL is investigating allegations of alleged inappropriate sexting by Jonathon Patton. Picture: Getty Images

“That said we must not prejudge, and all involved must be treated respectfully. Once the AFL reports back to the club decisions will be made based on fact.

“That said, Jon Patton is an employee of the club and continue to have a duty of care to him and his welfare as you would expect. Obviously more will become clear in due course.”

Patton, who joined the Hawks in the 2019 trade period, has been accused of sending lewd messages to women on social media.

Several women have made allegations that the 2011 No.1 draft pick sent them lewd messages, photos and videos.

Tassie still uncertain for Kennett

Hawthorn president Jeff Kennett says the Hawks ­remain hopeful of staging a pre-season game in Tasmania, but has cast doubt over the ­financial viability of a 19th AFL team in the state.

In a letter sent to club members on Friday, Kennett claimed the Hawks’ hands were “tied” over the club’s future playing arrangements in Tasmania until the AFL made its position on a team in the Apple Isle clear.

The Hawks have a deal in place to play games in Tasmania until the end of 2021.

“There has been no further advancements on our arrangements with Tasmania,” Kennett said. “That said, we are very optimistic that in the coming days we will have an update regarding the potential of playing a pre-season match in Tassie, and that will be a step in the right direction.

“The CEO (Justin Reeves) and I hope to meet with the relevant government officials in Tasmania in the next few weeks.

“But as always, our hands are somewhat tied, as are Tasmania’s until the AFL can give us all their definitive position on a Tasmanian team.”

As the push within Tasmania for its own AFL team continues, Kennett ­questioned whether the league could sustain another club amid the financial fallout from COVID.

“Given the uncertainty of the economy in the future and the cost to clubs and the AFL over COVID-19, very much doubt whether a 19th team within the AFL is viable,” Kennett said.

“Therefore, the other ­options must be resolved so we can all plan with some certainty.”

Originally published as AFL report will determine fate of Hawthorn forward Jon Patton