Dear members,
I wanted to write to you directly following the announcement that the AFL has ended its Independent Panel process, reached an agreement with the complainants, and made no adverse finding against any of the parties involved.
It is important to acknowledge this has been an extremely difficult process for everyone involved.
It has been very complex. But I do genuinely hope the resolution creates a step towards healing and to address the hurt felt by many.
The Hawthorn Football Club is a very special place. It is a special place because of the people who have been and are still involved here.
Whenever an organisation becomes aware of a potential issue within its four walls, it needs to look into it appropriately.
When media reports first raised that some of our past players and staff had concerns, it was important we reached out to them. In fact, I would say we had a duty to do so.
When we set out to do a welfare check on our past and present First Nations players and staff, it was with the very best intentions and in good faith. We simply wanted to check in on the wellbeing of our past First Nations players and staff to see if they needed any extra support.
When allegations were raised via the report, we provided it to AFL integrity, not only because we are required to, but it was also the appropriate avenue to have the allegations tested and investigated.
It was also our expectation that this would allow all parties to give their version of events.
As AFL CEO Gillon McLachlan said last night - the leaking of that work had a significant impact.
It did not allow for a fair and just process.
We acknowledge that what has happened since then has been distressing for everyone involved.
Hawthorn Football Club is an inclusive environment for everyone. I want to be clear that we are extremely focused on maintaining this and ensuring we are leaders in this space.
Our job now is to listen and learn from every single party involved in this matter and be better for it. My commitment is to ensure that happens.
Every single person involved is a Hawthorn person. I sincerely hope that one day, whenever Alastair Clarkson, Chris Fagan, Jason Burt and other former players and staff are ready, we can rebuild those relationships.
It may not be easy. But it is our job, as a club, to work at it and make that happen. Our door will always be open to each and every one of them.
Healing that pain and emotional toll that everyone feels is an absolute priority.
We know we have further work to do to ensure our club remains a culturally safe and inclusive environment. We appreciate the importance healing, and this will guide our thinking moving forward.
Recently we have appointed a number of new roles, including General Manger – Diversity & Inclusion, Head of Indigenous Affairs and Indigenous Cultural Advisor. The club is also continuing to strengthen our Reconciliation Action Plan to ensure our actions in the plan are as strong as they possibly can be.
Our vision is that all Australians have a deep respect and understanding of First Nations cultures starting with the work we do inside and outside our Club. Empowered with knowledge and respect, we will overcome the barriers of the past and celebrate Australia’s unique and rich history.
Make no mistake, this is a clear focus for us all.
I will be in touch in the coming days with any further updates. As a member, I am sure it is hard to see some of the media reporting, but please know we are all working very hard to ensure this matter is resolved as quickly and fairly as possible.
