Hawks racism report author Phil Egan facing fraud probe

The man who authored the Hawthorn racism report could face criminal charges in a major twist that has been described as a potential “game-changer” in the damaging saga.

Richmond great Phil Egan.

The author of the explosive Hawthorn racism report could face criminal charges for allegedly stealing from a body set up to help Indigenous communities, in a major twist in the damaging AFL saga.

Victoria Police detectives have been investigating former Richmond forward Phil Egan for several months over claims he fraudulently obtained hundreds of thousands of dollars from Murray Valley Aboriginal Cooperative, including through a bogus invoices scheme.

“Detectives from the Financial Crime Squad are investigating a number of allegations of fraud relating to the management of a Robinvale-based organisation,” a Victoria Police spokesperson confirmed.

The Herald Sun is not suggesting the allegations are true, only that they are being investigated.

Former Richmond player Phil Egan was the author of the Hawthorn racism report.

Any charges against Egan could have a significant impact on the ongoing AFL-commissioned independent investigation into the Hawks report’s conclusions and processes.

Egan’s damning report on Hawthorn’s handling of Indigenous players rocked the football world when it was partially, then fully, leaked in September.

The report concluded that between 2010 and 2016, Alastair Clarkson, Chris Fagan and Jason Burt used “bullying and intimidation” against Indigenous players and their partners, two of whom had been pregnant and lost their unborn children during the “traumatic events”.

It described some incidents as so serious as “to amount to human rights abuses”, triggering Clarkson and Fagan to temporarily stand down from their senior coach roles at North Melbourne and Brisbane Lions, despite both categorically denying any wrongdoing. Burt has also denied the allegations.

Alastair Clarkson and Chris Fagan during their time at Hawthorn. Picture: Michael Willson

The Herald Sun can now reveal that Egan has been accused of masterminding payments from MVAC to unqualified contractors, who later transferred funds to his personal bank account.

The alleged frauds are understood to have taken place around 2010-2012, during which time Egan was a senior manager at the co-operative, including chief executive for a period.

A police spokesperson yesterday said: “No one has been charged in relation to the matter and the investigation remains ongoing. Anyone with information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or submit a confidential report at www.crimestoppers.com.au.”

A lawyer for one of the Hawks officials accused of racism said the development could be a “game-changer”.

“Storm clouds are gathering over the integrity of the Hawthorn FC-commissioned report,” the lawyer said.

“If Mr Egan is proved to have engaged in serious wrongdoing, such as to have harmed his own First Nations’ community by the removal of funds, what confidence can anyone have in any investigation process he has managed?

“If fraud charges are laid, it is a game changer and will place the panel process under enormous pressure.

“The panel has published terms of reference to include a review of Binmada (Mr Egan’s company) and Mr Egan and its/his involvement in the Hawthorn FC review.”

MVAC is a not-for-profit organisation providing a range of services including childcare, healthcare, housing and aged care for Aboriginal people in the Robinvale area.

Established in 1974 to improve the community’s conditions and expectations, it receives funding from government and charities.

Egan has been contacted for comment.