AFL club Hawthorn has settled a Federal Court case with former Indigenous players and their families who alleged it had a racist culture. The case’s settlement meant the court did not make any formal findings about any of the allegations.
What happened
The club released a statement which acknowledged the allegations, and said that the club had settled with the former players and their partners.
It also detailed the steps the club has taken in response to the allegations, including:
- creating a First Nations Advisory Committee,
- the development of a First Nations strategic plan,
- the expansion of the Indigenous Player Development Manager’s role to also become the Head of Indigenous Affairs,
- and building out the club’s infrastructure to include physical spaces fostering a culturally safe environment.
Context
In September 2022, several First Nations former Hawthorn players alleged that club officials pushed them to separate from their partners and pressured one couple to terminate a pregnancy.
The allegations, initially published by the ABC, related to Alastair Clarkson’s time as coach (2005 to 2021). They involved Clarkson and two senior staff members, assistant coach Chris Fagan and player development manager Jason Burt. Clarkson is currently the head coach of the North Melbourne Football Club, and Fagan is the head coach of the Brisbane Lions.
One former player alleged to the ABC that Clarkson and Fagan pushed him to have his partner’s pregnancy terminated and to leave the relationship. The couple were separated for months leading up to their child’s birth, and say they terminated a subsequent pregnancy because they were afraid of Hawthorn’s response. The player says he has since attempted suicide.
A second player alleged Clarkson, Fagan, and Burt went to his pregnant partner’s house with him to end their relationship. The club allegedly severed contact between the pair. The partner subsequently miscarried. A third player alleged the club stopped his partner and child relocating interstate to join him. His partner said it triggered several suicide attempts.
What they said:
Part of the statement read: “No person should suffer to pursue a career in football. By the former players, partners, and their families sharing their truths and raising their allegations, this has provided valuable learnings for the Club and has greatly assisted the Club in improving its processes, education and the care it provides to each First Nations player and their support persons. The Club thanks the former players, partners, and their families for their courage in providing this guidance.”
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