Hawthorn racism investigation extended

Alleged victims will now get extra time to get involved in the AFL commissioned investigation into Hawthorn’s racism scandal. See how it will work.

Alleged victims will get extra time to nominate to take part in the AFL-commissioned investigation into Hawthorn’s racism scandal.

The deadline for contacting Gordon Legal to take part in the review passed on Friday, but anyone wishing to complain about racism or bullying at Hawthorn between 2008 and 2016 will still be allowed to join.

Hawthorn has also this week written to all players who were at the club during the timeframe being looked at in the review informing them of how they could still participate.

The independent investigation was sparked by claims Indigenous Hawks players were separated from their families and that one player was pressured to encourage his partner to have an abortion.

Former Hawthorn coach Alastair Clarkson and former assistant coach Chris Fagan have strenuously denied the allegations.

Alastair Clarkson and Chris Fagan when they were at Hawthorn. Picture: AFL Media

At least three players and their families spoke to Phil Egan, who was commissioned to do a report about Hawthorn’s treatment of indigenous players which uncovered the allegations.

However AFL chief executive Gillon McLachlan has said that there were “no guarantees” the complainants would co-operate with the probe.

Questions have been raised about how investigation led by Bernard Quinn, KC can be fair if the complainants did not take part.

Clarkson was due to start work as North Melbourne’s coach on Tuesday, while Fagan was also planning to head back to his role at the Brisbane Lions after taking voluntary leave.

Hawthorn chief executive Justin Reeves sent an email to former players this week.

“As part of the investigation we have been instructed by the AFL to provide you (and all other players engaged by Hawthorn between period 1 Jan 2008 to 31 December 2016) with the attached notification of investigation and the investigation terms of reference,” Reeves wrote to players.

“We have been asked by the investigation panel to tell you the following message: If you are not sure if you want to participate at this time, you can still do so after 28 October 2022. You can do this by informing us (the panel) through Gordon Legal at any time you wish to participate.”

Clarkson and Fagan will return to work next week. Picture: AFL Media

The Terms of Reference for the probe, which were subject to debate among legal teams for Clarkson and Fagan, detail the process for making a statement.

“The Investigation Panel may invite to participate in the Investigation, persons or entities

whom it considers may have a sufficient connection with or involvement in the subject

matter of the Investigation, or who may be able to provide information or documents relevant to the subject matter of the Investigation (Participants),” the document states.

“A person who wishes to be a Participant must first inform the Investigation Panel via Gordon Legal that they elect to do so by 28 October 2022, or on such later date as agreed by the Investigation Panel.”

The investigation was due to be completed by December.

The AFL said: “The terms of reference have been settled and communicated and as the Independent Panel is now running the Investigation process, we will not be providing a running commentary on the progress of the investigation.”

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Originally published as Hawthorn racism investigation extended