Robbo: Hawthorn racism talks on verge of collapse, likely to head to Federal Court

As the AFL prepares for grandest celebration of the Indigenous contribution to the game, MARK ROBINSON writes racism peace talks between Hawthorn and former players are on the verge of collapse.

Talks between the Hawks and former players have broken down. Picture: Mark Brake/Getty Images.

The Hawthorn racism peace talks are on the verge of collapse on the eve of the AFL’s grandest celebration of Indigenous football.

As Richmond and Essendon prepare for Dreamtime at the G on Saturday night, it can be revealed the Hawks racism scandal is destined to be heard in Federal Court, unless there’s a “significant shift” in mediation.

Despite two extensions in the conciliation talks between multiple Indigenous players and their families, the Hawks and their former coaches Alastair Clarkson, Chris Fagan and Jason Burt, the talks are at an impasse over several issues, including compensation.

It’s believed the players and their families have been told they would receive a financial settlement – which they believe is a lowball offer – in response to their claims they were the victims of historical racist behaviour.

The players and their families, however, believe Clarkson and Fagan could be offered hundreds of thousands of dollars in compensation.

It has been previously reported the Hawks could be forced pay the coaches, including Burt, a financial settlement of more than $1 million for damages to their reputation as result of the club’s cultural safety review.

The players and their families also want an acknowledgment of their pain and suffering and an apology for their treatment, but at the same time, the coaches are also seeking a public apology from the club.

Talks between the Hawks and former players have broken down. Picture: Mark Brake/Getty Images.

A source told this masthead: “The talks have broken down – it’s headed to the Federal Court. That’s sad, but it will get the truth out. Witnesses can be called.’’

Another source said: “The financial offer downplays the pain suffered by the families, then and now. And unless there’s a significant shift, this is headed for the Federal Court.’’

Witnesses are likely to include the author of the cultural safety review, Phil Egan, and former AFL chief executive Gillon McLachlan.

Egan, who played a role in launching the first Dreamtime at the G match in 2005, will attend Saturday night’s match in the official function.

As part of the conciliation talks, the Indigenous families, which includes premiership star Cyril Rioli, are also pushing for Hawthorn to adopt the fabric of Collingwood’s “Do Better” report.

The establishment of a formal “truth-telling” framework, put in place by the Magpies, is also being sought.

On May 11, the National Indigenous Times reported there were still 18 matters unresolved from the mediation talks. The Times reported that Hawthorn’s estimated legal bill – should the mediation end up in Federal Court – would be in the vicinity of $3 million.

Former Hawthorn great Don Scott had previously said “heads should roll” from the Andrew Gowers-led Hawks board if compensation payments were made.

“They’ve set aside $1.5 million and I reckon it’s already cost them that again in legal representation – so somebody has got to fall on their sword,” Scott said.

“Why have they got to pay this money out when the AFL said they have got no case to answer? It’s not their money – it is club and members’ money.’’

Clarkson, Fagan and Burt have denied the racism allegations.

Originally published as Robbo: Hawthorn racism talks on verge of collapse, likely to head to Federal Court