Huge development after Indigenous stars made bombshell claims of racism against Hawthorn AFL club
Hawthorn remains committed to resolving the long-running racism saga after the Human Rights Commission ended a claim by former Hawks First Nations players and their partners – meaning the case will now be heard in court.
The committee dismissed the case, believing there was little chance the Hawks club, former staff – including Alastair Clarkson and Chris Fagan – and ex-players could reach an agreement.
The players, headlined by four-time Hawthorn Prime Minister Cyril Rioli, and their partners, now have 60 days to take the case to the Federal Court.
“As we have always said, we would like to see this matter resolved fairly and quickly for all involved,” Hawthorn president Andy Gowers said in a statement on Monday.
Ex-Hawks head coach Alastair Clarkson (left) and his former assistant Chris Fagan (pictured together in 2015) have angrily denied any wrongdoing following allegations of racism during their time at the club
“We are engaged in the (Human Rights Commission) process in good faith and have made several attempts to resolve the issue with all parties.
‘It’s a pity that this was not possible through this process.
“However, we remain committed and will work to resolve the matter.”
Former Hawthorn coach Clarkson and ex-Hawks football boss Fagan met face-to-face with the complainants in March, just before the Easter weekend.
It was the first time Clarkson, now the North Melbourne coach, and current Brisbane Lions mentor Fagan have met the players and their partners since allegations about their time at the Hawks were aired in an ABC report in September 2022.
Four-time premiership winner Cyril Rioli (pictured playing in 2016) is the most high-profile star involved in the case against the team
Rioli (pictured during a match in 2016) played 189 games for the club
Clarkson, Fagan and former Hawks welfare boss Jason Burt have denied any wrongdoing.
The AFL said last year there would be no adverse findings against Clarkson, Fagan or Jason Burt from an independent panel investigating claims of racism during their time at Hawthorn between 2008 and 2016.
Former Hawthorn president Jeff Kennett weighed in on the latest developments, calling it the “right outcome.”
“With so many claims being made against the AFL and clubs, the veracity of all claims must be subject to review by a court of law. Not by the AFL or clubs,” Kennett posted on X, formerly Twitter.
“Conciliation compensation is not a good test of any claim unless the allegations are admitted.”