Revealed: Conflict over detail of deal that could end damaging Hawthorn racism saga

There are hopes a solution in the Hawthorn racism investigation can be reached within days but conflict has arisen over elements of a proposed settlement.

Alastair Clarkson and Chris Fagan while at the Hawks. Picture: AFL Media

Lawyers for the First Nations families at the centre of the Hawthorn racism scandal have recommended a settlement to the AFL which if agreed to could end the long-running and damaging saga.

But while there are hopes a solution can be reached within days, a source told the Herald Sun on Friday that some of the First Nations families are not comfortable with every aspect of the proposal.

It’s understood a telemeeting is planned for Friday night between lawyers and the First Nations families to discuss their concerns.

The proposal asks that Hawthorn and the AFL give a “generic apology’’ to the families, but does not ask for apologies from Alastair Clarkson, Chris Fagan and Jason Burt.

Sources said the proposal also includes a non-disparagement clause and that the families involved would still strive to have a “truth-telling’’ exercise involving all parties.

The source said the saga would end if the AFL apologised.

But conflict remains as some of the First Nations families also want an apology from Clarkson, Fagan and Burt, the source said.

Clarkson, Fagan and Burt have denied all wrongdoing.

Alastair Clarkson and Chris Fagan at Hawthorn in 2014. Picture: AFL Media

They are also baulking at a proposal which would require the First Nations families to apply to any compensation fund that would be set up by the AFL.

It’s also believed the families will have a second meeting with their support people on Saturday, which includes former Richmond player Michael Mitchell.

“While it appears a deal is imminent, it could evaporate quickly upon reflection from the families,’’ the source said.

The AFL has been working around the clock to broker a deal in the long-running saga after the four-person investigation panel it established last October reached an impasse.

League boss Gillon McLachlan says the participants in the First Nations inquiry have been put in a “totally unjust and difficult situation”.

Asked on Friday about speculation that a deal could be brokered within 48 hours, McLachlan replied: “There are a lot of people working very hard to try to get a resolution here, that’s all I can say”.

Alastair Clarkson stepped away from his role at North Melbourne last week. Picture: Getty Images

“From the moment this played out the way it did, when a report was leaked, it has been extraordinarily difficult for everyone involved. Complainants and defendants,’’ McLachlan said.

‘’It has been a totally unjust and difficult situation and it’s been going for a long time.

“Finding a way through this and a resolution is difficult and when it’s so public and caused so much pain it’s been one of the more difficult things for a lot of people to get through.”

McLachlan said he had spoken to Clarkson by text in a week where Hawthorn CEO Justin Reeves stepped down because of the pressure of the investigation.

There are still two First Nations families who refused to participate in the AFL’s investigation, one of whom has made clear they will take legal action in coming months.

But McLachlan made clear the public naming of Clarkson, Fagan and Hawks staffer Burt had made a difficult investigation almost impossible at times.

“It’s really exacting and difficult,” he said.

Originally published as Revealed: Conflict over detail of deal that could end damaging Hawthorn racism saga