Hawthorn racism saga heads to Federal Court
The lawyers representing First Nations players and partners alleging racism at Hawthorn Football Club have lodged documents in the Federal Court.
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The lawyers representing First Nations players and partners alleging racism at Hawthorn Football Club have lodged documents in the Federal Court.
The papers, filed an hour before Friday’s deadline, name Cyril Rioli as the lead applicant, along with Shannyn Ah Sam-Rioli, Carl Peterson, Jermaine Miller-Lewis, Montanah-Rae Lewis and Leon Egan.
Former Hawks coaches Alastair Clarkson and Chris Fagan could yet be called to give evidence, but the Hawthorn Football Club is listed as the only defendant in the documents.
Mediation between the players and the former Hawthorn employees accused of the mistreatment, and including both Clarkson and Fagan, was terminated by the Human Rights Commission in May this year.
Clarkson said several weeks ago that he would welcome the matter going to the Federal Court.
The AFL launched an inquiry into the claims, but ended it last year with no findings against Clarkson, Fagan or former Hawks official Jason Burt.
The Hawks were under pressure to make compensation payments to the First Nations families and the coaches following the failed Human Rights Commission mediation.
“As we have done throughout this process, we will continue to work towards a resolution in a fair and timely manner for all parties,” Hawthorn president Andy Gowers said in a statement released on Friday night.
“The Federal Court process will importantly give Hawthorn Football Club the opportunity to respond to these allegations.
“Given the matter is now before the courts, it would be inappropriate to make any kind of comment that could impact on that process.”
Originally published as Hawthorn racism saga heads to Federal Court
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