Mark Robinson asks how we move forward from the Hawthorn investigation without the truth
The AFL wrapped up its investigation into Hawthorn on Tuesday night, but how can we achieve a treaty of sorts without the truth, asks Mark Robinson.
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So, it’s all Hawthorn’s fault?
The injustice for everyone, for the men accused and the First Nations families affected, ends with a deal which is all nicely wrapped in a bow by the AFL.
Nothing to see here.
Anyone with half a brain should be confused. At least curious.
How can we move forward, how can we achieve a treaty of sorts — without the truth?
In the end, in the court of the AFL, the First Nations families surrendered.
Why? Only they and their legal representative, Leon Zwier, know the reasons.
There was no deal on Sunday yet a settlement was announced on Tuesday.
That’s tidy work from Gillon McLachlan and Zwier, although it’s understood Zwier wasn’t entirely happy with some of the wording of Tuesday’s AFL press release.
Still, both of them wanted a resolution and they got it.
The Human Rights Commission could find that the families suffered human rights abuses, but the AFL declared “no adverse findings have been made in the Independent Investigation against any of the individuals against whom allegations have been made”.
The Human Rights Commission might also not find any breaches, but at least we will hear testimonies from all involved, because mediation is compulsory, a process Chris Fagan says he would welcome.
We’ve already heard from the families, whose testimonies formed the core of the “Cultural Safety Review: Of Past and Present Indigenous Players and Staff of the Hawthorn Football Club”.
Some of the stories were not part of the investigation, but the AFL was aware of the stories.
Storytelling 1: “My mother and my partner wanted to relocate to Melbourne, they were looking at getting a house so that we could all live together, but the club also would not allow that to happen. They said no to that idea and told my family again that they would be a distraction and asked, ‘How would you even afford to live in your own house?’. I was also told that I needed to be more cutthroat when it comes to my family and that I needed to choose between my family and my career at the club.’’
Storytelling 2: “Hawthorn had advised (player name redacted) that I should have an abortion and he should leave his family. They disconnected his mobile and relocated him somewhere where I would not know where he was. Throughout my pregnancy I would feel the wrath of the Hawthorn FC bullying tactics. I asked for a meeting with the Hawthorn coach’s (sic) involved and the Hawthorn ‘wellbeing’ worker.
“I was 13 weeks pregnant when I met with the Hawthorn staff that showed up that day. (Player name redacted) was meant to be present at this meeting as it was about his unborn child however Hawthorn refused to let him attend.
“Two men met me that day. (They) confirmed that Hawthorn thought it was the in the best interest for (player name redacted) not to become a dad at this point in his footy career and for him to be removed from his family to concentrate on his football.’’
Storytelling 3: “My mum knocked on my door, unusual because she always calls, she said are you aware the football club is on their way here, I had absolutely no idea. Allister (sic) Clarkson, Chris Fagan and Jason Burt turned up with my partner a couple minutes later. The minute they walked in I said what was going on, I feel so trapped.
“We all sat down (my mum and Jason went outside as I didn’t want her in the room, I was 7 weeks pregnant at the time and hadn’t told her yet and was definitely not how I wanted her to find out). Allister (sic) began by saying this isn’t going to be a pleasant conversation, my partner was sitting down crying and a complete utter mess. They had explained that my partner needed space to work things out in his own head.
“For three grown men to have walked into my house with no warning, and intimidate, trap and bully me full well knowing I’m carrying a child is just by no means acceptable.’’
Storytelling 4: In an alleged email to then Hawks president Andrew Newbold. “I started having severe anxiety attacks and was vomiting blood so was taken into hospital. I was released early this morning and was given a recommendation letter for my doctor to put me on antidepressants.
“I met with the psychologist again this afternoon and he suggested that immediate communication either way needs to occur for my own mental and physical state. I have nobody to turn to for answers and I’m not sure what to do. I feel like I’m in such a helpless situation and can’t see the light anymore. I don’t know what more I can do, I’m falling apart and just feel like I can’t keep going anymore.’’
Newbold, who stood down from the AFL Commission last September and returned some time in February, denied he received the email and denied that he replied to the email.
Clarkson, Fagan and Burt have denied all wrongdoing.
On Tuesday night, all those stories were chucked in the bin and Clarkson, Fagan and Burt were not charged under AFL rules.
“The purpose of the Independent Panel Investigation was to investigate relevant matters and make recommendations to the AFL including as to whether any persons should be the subject of disciplinary action for breach of AFL Rules and the resolution today should be viewed through that lens,” the AFL said.
The AFL did acknowledge the “hurt, pain and anguish” suffered by the families, an acknowledgment which will be used as part of their Human Rights Commission case.
In the meantime, any Indigenous player who believes they have been subjected to alleged racist behaviour will be more confused than anyone. And scared.
They will ask themselves: what’s the point of storytelling?
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