HAWTHORN DEFENDS ITS DECISION ON REPORT
HAWTHORN chief executive Justin Reeves has defended the club’s decision not to release its review into its treatment of First Nations players.
“Disturbing” allegations from the report – which was commissioned by the Hawks earlier this year – were reported this week, with key Hawks figures including Alastair Clarkson and Chris Fagan named amid startling allegations levelled by former players.
In a letter to members on Friday, Reeves said asking why the report – authored by former Richmond player Phil Egan – had not been publicly released was “a good question” but maintained that the club would not breach the trust of those involved.
“The report … found the current environment is culturally safe,” he said. “But this is something we should focus our attention on and strive for ongoing improvement. My commitment is that we will continue to do that.
“As you may have now seen, the AFL is commencing a process to investigate the matters fully. We are completely supportive of this and will co-operate. This may take some time, but we want to assure you all we are committed to this work, and we will keep you all up to date as appropriate.
“We know that the past few days have been challenging, but we must use this as an opportunity to improve our club and make it the best it can possibly be.”
The AFL has interviewed prospective panellists for the investigation with representatives for the complainants, the AFL Players’ Association and AFL Coaches’ Association to also be involved with the final appointments.
Reeves said those named in the initial report would now have an opportunity to talk.
“Upon receipt of that report, we immediately engaged AFL Integrity – both because it was a recommendation, and because it was the most appropriate next step,” he wrote.
“From here, those named in the reports would be interviewed and be given the opportunity to respond and tell their story. The club will continue to offer support to those who have participated in this process, and their wellbeing remains our priority. We want to assure you that will continue to be the case.”
Reeves said the club was “profoundly heartbroken” by the “disturbing” revelations its review into its recent past with First Nation players has uncovered.
He said it had been “a very challenging time for our club”.
“Earlier this year, following some media reports, Hawthorn Football Club engaged external First Nations consultants to liaise with current and former First Nations players and staff to learn more about their experience at the club,” he wrote.
“Around two weeks ago we received the results of that work. And as you can now see, some of those stories are disturbing.