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Michael Warner is an award-winning investigative journalist with Melbourne’s Herald Sun newspaper, and also CODE Sports, and author of the best-selling book, The Boys’ Club, the inside story behind the power and politics of the Australian Football League. In 2022, he won the Walkley Award for sports reporting, the Melbourne Press Club Gold Quill and was named the Harry Gordon Australian Sports Journalist of the Year.

Michael Warner

Latest

AFL

The biggest unanswered question from AFL racism deal

First Nations families said they signed off on the Hawthorn racism investigation from a position of strength. But what did they really get from the AFL?

AFL

Revealed: Inside the AFL’s ditched racism deal

References to compensation funds and even an apology from Hawthorn disappeared at the last-minute before the racism saga findings were released. READ THE DRAFT DOCUMENT.

AFL

Fourth Hawk official denies complaint in racism probe

The identity of a previously-unnamed Hawthorn official who “categorically denies” a complaint made during the Hawk racism investigation has been revealed.

AFL

MELBOURNE. 10/07/2022 . AFL . Round 17. Hawthorn vs Adelaide Crows at Marvel Stadium . Hawthorn president Jeff Kennett talks with CEO Justin Reeves after todays game . Photo by Michael Klein

Hawks in the gun: AFL begins investigation into racism review

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.

AFL

Hawthorn v Sydney Swans. MCG. Cyril Rioli shares a laugh with Carl Peterson after the game.

‘None of us deserved this public s***show’: Saga families unveiled

Four First Nations families at the centre of the Hawthorn racism saga have revealed their identities and released an explosive statement. READ IT HERE.

EXCLUSIVEAFL

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - JULY 08: Chris Fagan the Hawthorn General Manager - Football Operations addresses the media during the AFL tribunal hearing at AFL House on July 8, 2014 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Darrian Traynor/Getty Images)

Revealed: Fagan’s legal move that flipped Hawks racism probe

A letter from Chris Fagan’s lawyers to Leon Zwier, representative of the First Nations families, helped flip the AFL’s Hawthorn racism probe on its head. SEE THE FULL LETTER HERE.

AFL

LAUNCESTON, AUSTRALIA - AUGUST 29: Alastair Clarkson, Senior Coach of the Hawks looks on with Chris Fagan, General Manager Football Operations during the 2015 AFL round 22 match between the Hawthorn Hawks and the Brisbane Lions at Aurora Stadium, Launceston, Australia on August 29, 2015. (Photo by Adam Trafford/AFL Media/Getty Images)

Hawks rejected financial component in racism resolution

The Hawthorn board rejected a request to contribute a financial component into an Indigenous programs fund, as the legal costs of the saga are revealed.

AFL

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - MAY 30: AFL CEO Gillon McLachlan walks into the media centre before speakin to the media during a press conference at AFL House on May 30, 2023 in Melbourne, Australia. McLachlan spoke about the outcomes in relation to the Independent Panel Investigation into allegations of inappropriate conduct at the Hawthorn Hawks. (Photo by Darrian Traynor/Getty Images)

How the AFL pulled off its latest integrity magic trick

The Hawthorn racism saga can join the Talia brothers investigation and tanking inquiry in the AFL brand protection hall of fame, writes Michael Warner.

AFL News

Screen Grab... Hawthorn President Jeff Kennett speaking at The Peter Crimmins medal ceremony at Crown

Fines, draft picks? Hawks face potential bombshell punishments

As the AFL terminated the independent investigation without laying charges against Alastair Clarkson, Chris Fagan or Jason Burt the league also dropped a potential bomb on the Hawks.

AFL

Jason Burton and Alastair Clarkson hawthorn

‘What a disgrace’: Hawks blasted for passing racism probe to AFL

The racism scandal engulfing Hawthorn has exploded once again with the accusers hitting out at the Hawks for passing on the investigation to the AFL as fresh allegations come to light.

Original URL: https://www.heraldsun.com.au/journalists/michael-warner/page/15