Hawthorn remains dedicated to settling the long-running racism saga, despite the Human Rights Commission dismissing a claim by former Hawks First Nations players and their partners, which means the case will now be tried in court.
The commission dismissed the complaint, believing there was little prospect the Hawks club, former personnel (including Alastair Clarkson and Chris Fagan), and ex-players could reach a deal.
The players, led by four-time Hawthorn champion player Cyril Rioli, and their partners now have 60 days to take the case to the Federal Court.
‘As we have always stated, we want to see this situation resolved fairly and expeditiously for all parties concerned,’ 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 over the bombshell allegations of racism during their time at the club
‘We have engaged with the (Human Rights Commission] process in good faith and have made multiple attempts to resolve the matter with all parties.
‘It is unfortunate that this was not possible via this process.
‘However, we remain committed to, and will work towards, having the matter resolved.’
Former Hawthorn coach Clarkson and ex-Hawks football boss Fagan met with the complainants in person in March just before the Easter weekend.
It was the first time Clarkson, now North Melbourne coach, and current Brisbane Lions mentor Fagan had met with the players and their partners since allegations regarding their time at the Hawks 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 last year said 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 ‘correct outcome’.
‘With so many claims now being lodged against the AFL and clubs, the verasity (sic) of all claims should be subjected to being tested in a court of law. Not by the AFL or clubs,’ Kennett posted on X, formerly Twitter.
‘Compensation through mediation is no proper test of any claim unless charges admitted.’
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