AFL 2023: Mediation talks in Hawthorn racism scandal abandoned as AFL chases deal

Four First Nations families at the centre of the Hawthorn racism scandal had booked flights to Adelaide for a ‘mediation’ session – but those talks have been abandoned. Here’s why.

Proposed Adelaide talks in the Hawthorn racism scandal have been abandoned as negotiations with most parties continue to take place led by the AFL.

Confusion surrounded who was and wasn’t invited to the “mediation’’ session and it’s understood all parties agreed that there could never be mediation unless everyone could attend.

Four First Nations families at the centre of the scandal had planned to travel to Adelaide, with aeroplane tickets booked and paid for.

It’s believed Hawthorn, Alastair Clarkson, Chris Fagan and Jason Burt were invited via their legal teams, although Fagan said last week he was unaware of any mediation.

AFL boss Gillon McLachlan is working overtime to find a solution and is speaking to all parties, but it’s proving to be extremely difficult.

The proposed mediation talks in Adelaide are off. Picture: Darrian Traynor/AFL Photos

There is a view of some of the families involved that deal-making and closure of AFL’s independent investigation is an unpalatable conclusion to the eight-month scandal.

Another view is a solution would avoid a protracted and costly court fight.

It’s probable a compensation fund will be set up, to be tapped into by the Indigenous players and their partners if needed.

The Indigenous players and their partners maintain they still want to have a truth-telling session with those accused of improper behaviour when they were at Hawthorn and explore ways to improve racism policies at the club and within the AFL.

Clarkson, Fagan and Burt have protested their innocence from the outset.

Two other families who made claims against the Hawks are looking at pursuing civil action against the club, with one lawyer, Dr Judith Courtin, saying on Friday there are fears of a “whitewash” of the now seemingly defunct independent investigation.

Originally published as AFL 2023: Mediation talks in Hawthorn racism scandal abandoned as AFL chases deal