Material seized from Hawthorn as new investigation launched into AFL racism and abortion allegations

A Victorian government watchdog has seized material from Hawthorn as it launches its own investigation into harrowing allegations of racism at the AFL club.

WorkSafe Victoria has opened its own investigation into allegations in the team’s internal assessment over its treatment of First Nations players, which has sent shockwaves through the footy world.

According to an ABC report, they contain claims that former club coaches Alastair Clarkson and Chris Fagan told an Indigenous player to have his partner abort their unborn child.

Both Clarkson and Fagan have categorically denied any allegation and said they look forward to clearing their names in the AFL’s independent investigation into the matter.

WorkSafe seized material from Hawthorn in recent meetings, the Herald Sun reported and will speak to the club personally on Monday.

The watchdog has seized material from Hawthorn and is expected to have more face-to-face meetings with club officials as part of the investigation (pictured, Clarkson and ex-skipper Luke Hodge celebrate the team’s big win in 2014)

WorkSafe has begun investigating the recent allegations regarding the Hawthorn Football Club… [and is] Urges anyone who has experienced or witnessed health and safety issues… to contact WorkSafe to make a statement,” said Executive Director of Body Health and Safety, Dr. Narelle Bear.

The publication said the Hawks’ internal review — which has leaked to the media — has not been given to the workplace watchdog.

The AFL is still in the process of finalizing its investigation, which will see the league set up a four-person panel to review the allegations.

Outgoing Hawthorn President Jeff Kennett (pictured) has labeled the leaking of the shocking allegations “unfair,” but admitted he was “stunned — and worse” by the allegations

The news about WorkSafe’s investigation comes just after outgoing Hawks president Jeff Kennett lashed out at the leak of the team’s internal assessment on Saturday night.

At the club’s best and fairest awards, Kennett labeled the leak “unfair”, said the club is not in crisis and described the matter as a “bump along the highway”.

But he told the audience that he was “somewhat baffled – and worse” when he read the draft report of the club’s inquiry into the experiences of Native players and their partners at Hawthorn.

Earlier on Tuesday, Clarkson’s friend and coach Damien Hardwick said at a meeting in Perth that Clarkson is “not in a great place.”

The racism claims were revealed last week, with Clarkson, his then-assistant Chris Fagan and ex-Hawthorn welfare manager Jason Burt named in the ABC report.

Richmond coach Damien Hardwick said Clarkson (pictured, left, with Fagan in 2015) is “not in a great place.” Both former Hawks coaches have vehemently denied any wrongdoing

On Saturday, The Age also had a report claiming that Clarkson was unsympathetic to Sam Mitchell, now Hawthorn’s coach, when he played under him and dealt with family issues.

Clarkson, who was recruited by North Melbourne, and Fagan have resigned from their coaching duties.

“I don’t see this as a crisis,” Kennett said on the best and fairest night.

“When I read the draft report… I was a little stunned—and worse.

‘It wasn’t nice to read. I hope this issue can be resolved quickly by all parties involved.”

Kennett said the people interviewed for the report had requested confidentiality and Hawthorn respected that.

“Unfortunately, they’ve decided to talk to the press… they’ve mentioned people they had very real issues with,” he said.

“That was unfair to those (people), so that’s why we have to get this resolved.”