Hawthorn racism investigation: Hopes grow of keeping key draft picks

As Hawthorn awaits news of the AFL’s racism investigation it still confronts the possibility of being found guilty of conduct unbecoming or bringing the game into disrepute.

Alastair Clarkson.

Hawthorn is still awaiting confirmation from the AFL it will cease its First Nations investigation as the club grows optimistic it will retain its prized selections in November’s draft.

Retired federal court judge John Middleton has been drafted in by the AFL to review the evidence collected over eight months of an independent inquiry.

But the investigation, which was also tasked with deciding whether the club’s Cultural Safety Review was an “appropriate mechanism”, is expected to be shelved in its current form.

It will mean Alastair Clarkson, Chris Fagan and Jason Burt would face no sanction from the AFL.

It would also mean Hawthorn’s chances of being found guilty of conduct unbecoming or bringing the game into disrepute would also plummet.

Hawthorn’s president-elect Peter Nankivell, since replaced by Andy Gowers, admitted in November the club could face the loss of picks if found guilty.

Hawthorn’s current first draft selection is at No.3 overall and while their victory over West Coast means they are less likely to secure Harley Reid, it would still be their earliest selection in some time.

The Hawks could still face a Federal Court case, civil cases, compensation payouts tallying millions of dollars, even a Human Rights Commission case.

The Hawks are in the mix to secure likely No.1 draft pick Harley Reid. Picture: Michael Willson/AFL Photos via Getty Images

Lawyers for separate families who were not part of the AFL investigation made clear this week they are likely to progress civil claims in court.

Hawthorn has made clear it is prepared to pay compensation or reparations for any wronged parties as part of the fallout from the Cultural Safety review.

But the AFL investigation was the vehicle for the potential loss of draft penalties.

Gowers told Hawthorn supporters in an open letter on Saturday he still wanted “dialogue” between parties to ensure a resolution to the issue.

“It has always been my belief that dialogue between all parties will go some way to helping the matter. My hope is that this opportunity is still possible,” he said.

“My commitment to you all is that we will do whatever we can to support each and every person involved in this.

“Separate to the review, we are committed to listening and learning so we can continue to build a safe, inclusive, and positive environment for First Nations people to thrive in.”

Hawks chief: Talking to Clarko, Fagan wasn’t club’s responsibility

– Scott Gullan, Courtney Walsh

Hawthorn president Andy Gowers has defended the club’s decision to do a “welfare check” with its First Nations players which kick-started the controversial AFL racism investigation.

In a letter to Hawks members Gowers said it wasn’t the club’s responsibility to talk to former coach Alastair Clarkson, Chris Fagan and Jason Burt after allegations were raised against them by a former First Nations player.

“Last year, following a complaint made by a former First Nations player, our club made a decision to conduct a welfare check on all of our past and present First Nations players and staff,” Gowers said.

“The allegations that arose from that check-in required a thorough and formal investigation. A question I am often asked is: “why did those who did the welfare check not put those allegations to the coaches and staff involved?”

Andy Gowers. Picture: Jason Edwards

“It is important for you to know that the initial report was a welfare check only; at that point, it was not an investigation. Those who conducted the welfare check were not an investigative body – that, quite rightly, would and should be done via AFL Integrity.

“We provided the information to AFL Integrity, as we are required to do, to carry out that investigation. Before those allegations could be tested, and before those accused were afforded the opportunity to respond to them, media reports surfaced that published the allegations.

“This included information we became aware of during the welfare check, but further details as well. This was deeply unfair to all involved.

“The AFL appointed an independent panel to investigate the matter - a decision we felt was important because it would give everyone an opportunity to have their say.”

Gowers said the Hawks didn’t regret doing the initial welfare check which was instigated off the back of comments by premiership hero Cyril Rioli about his falling out with former president Jeff Kennett.

“You may ask whether we regret conducting the welfare check in the first place, and it is a fair question,” Gowers said.

“But our club will never shy away from asking necessary questions of our past players and staff, however difficult or confronting they might be.

“Now we sit here, many months later, without the answers we all seek. For you as members, I acknowledge that must be hard. I hear and share your frustrations; it is an issue that tears at all of us.

“It has always been my belief that dialogue between all parties will go some way to helping the matter. My hope is that this opportunity is still possible.”

AFL COACH’S CLARKSON PAIN

Western Bulldogs coach Luke Beveridge cannot fathom the pressure Alastair Clarkson is under as part of the ongoing saga involving alleged racism during his reign at Hawthorn.

Beveridge, who coached the Western Bulldogs to a dominant 45-point win over Adelaide in Ballarat on Saturday, served as an assistant to Clarkson at Hawthorn from 2012 to 2014.

The 2016 premiership coach has been in contact with Clarkson since he stepped aside from North Melbourne this week and said it was an extremely difficult period for all involved.

Beveridge said he cherished his time at Hawthorn and was “never privy to anything untoward” involving Clarkson, Brisbane coach Chris Fagan and welfare manager Jason Burt.

Luke Beveridge during his time as an assistant coach at Hawthorn.

Alastair Clarkson.

“In my time at the Hawks, the three gentlemen … were nothing but supportive and, I felt, always had everyone’s best interests at heart, so it was a surprise when it first came out,” he said.

“I can’t fathom what he has been through, what his family has been through, and I just really feel for him. I just hope that he is going to be OK and that we see him back at some point.

“I think we should remember what his reputation has been in football, for the things he has done in the game, the trailblazer he has been.

“But I also feel for all parties involved. I hope everyone will be OK in the long run. Time seems to heal most wounds. But time will tell whether it heals these ones.”