’Humiliation’ over Lyon saga

THE woman at the centre of the Fremantle sex harassment scandal has been left “completely humiliated” by the AFL’s handling of the saga as fresh questions emerge about its investigation.

Sources close to the young office worker who alleged she was targeted by Dockers coach Ross Lyon at a boozy club function said she and her family felt let down by both Fremantle and the league.

“It’s been a nightmare,” a friend says.

The woman is furious at reports that she changed into a revealing outfit for the event, telling friends she actually wore the same clothes that she had been in all day at work.

In a series of shocking claims, friends allege: LYON initially told the junior staffer in front of witnesses that he liked her “budding boobs”, before pursuing her throughout the night with inappropriate and crude remarks. THE woman was about two months pregnant at the time. CONCERNS about the coach’s conduct were reported to Dockers chiefs by a female colleague of the alleged victim immediately after the purported harassment, with the young woman giving a formal interview and written statement. THE club probe concluded with the coach apologising to the alleged victim before she was forced to endure jokes in the office regarding the incident and ultimately left. THERE is a recording of exchanges between Lyon and the woman at the event, several years ago. SHE made a second complaint late last year because she was unhappy at not being treated seriously, prompting the AFL integrity unit investigation. THE woman and her family are furious with both Fremantle and the subsequent AFL probe which has been dubbed a “sham”. A PAYMENT to the alleged victim, which included a secrecy agreement, exceeded $100,000, despite previous reports it had been a “low fivefigure sum”.

Sources have further claimed that attempts by the family to speak to AFL chief Gillon McLachlan regarding concerns over its investigation have been rejected. One source close to the victim said this week: “It was a pretend investigation. They want to protect themselves and the club.”

McLachlan has said: “The core part of the policy is actually resolving the issue . . . it is part of the policy for it to be confidential, and there is a wide series of options available for getting resolution.”

Lyon did not respond to calls yesterday.