AFL investigation signals prospect of sanctions on Hawks

The prospect of sanctions on Hawthorn has grown steeper as the AFL launches a fresh investigation, this time into the club’s handling of its racism review.

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA – MAY 20: Chris Fagan, Football Manager of the Hawks (left) and Alastair Clarkson, Senior Coach of the Hawks look onduring the 2016 AFL Round 09 match between the Hawthorn Hawks and the Sydney Swans at the Melbourne Cricket Ground on May 20, 2016 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Michael Willson/AFL Media)

The AFL has launched an investigation into Hawthorn’s handling of its review into historic claims of racism at the club.

The move signals the prospect of sanctions on the beleaguered Hawks.

An AFL spokesman confirmed the league contacted Hawthorn last week with the investigation to be led by AFL legal counsel Stephen Meade.

The AFL will seek to interview many key figures including former president Jeff Kennett and former chief executive Justin Reeves.

Reeves stood down late last month because of the “personal toll and the need to focus on his wellbeing”.

Less than a week after AFL boss Gillon McLachlan announced the closure of its independent investigation, the AFL has now set its sights on whether it is Hawthorn that should be punished for the saga.

Hawks president Andy Gowers speaks to the media last week after the AFL’s closure of its investigation. (Photo by Robert Cianflone/Getty Images)

While the AFL believes Hawthorn launched the cultural safety review with good intentions, the league will question its execution after the Binmada report collected various stories, some of which were harrowing, from former players and their partners.

The AFL’s independent investigation, which has been heavily criticised, found no adverse findings against Alastair Clarkson, Chris Fagan and Jason Burt – the trio at the centre of allegations about their time at Hawthorn.

But in its statement last Tuesday the league left the door open for Hawthorn to be punished, which could include fines and or the stripping of prized draft picks.

Hawks bosses including current president Andy Gowers and former boss Kennett have said they do not believe sanctions are warranted.

“We’d be extremely disappointed if this matter led to sanctions, including financial,” Gower said last week.

“But what I would say is we went into this process with the best of intention.“I don’t think anybody is questioning that.”

“The club conducted a welfare check of our First Nations players and staff after concerns were raised about their time at the club,” Hawthorn FC President Andy Gowers said

“This was a decision made with the best of intentions.

“As we have always said during this process, we will work cooperatively with the AFL and answer any questions they have.”

Originally published as AFL investigation signals prospect of sanctions on Hawks