Outgoing Hawthorn president Jeff Kennett has criticised the three First Nations gamers and their companions who spoke to the media about their experiences with the AFL membership.
Key factors:
- Hawks president Jeff Kennett stated gamers who spoke to the ABC mustn’t have publicly named anybody
- He added that he was “flabbergasted” when he learn the report
- Kennett stated he hoped for a decision by the tip of the yr
An exterior evaluation commissioned by the membership contained allegations key figures demanded the separation of younger First Nations gamers from their companions, and pressured one couple to terminate a being pregnant.
Kennett stated the gamers who spoke to the ABC mustn’t have publicly named anybody.
“Sadly, they decided to speak to the press … they named individuals with whom they’d very actual points,” he stated.
“That was unfair to these [people], so due to this fact we have to have this resolved.”
Kennett, talking on the membership’s finest and fairest awards evening, stated the membership will not be in disaster and has described the difficulty as a “bump alongside the freeway”.
However he informed the viewers he was “considerably flabbergasted — and worse” when he learn the draft report of the membership’s investigation into the experiences of Indigenous gamers and their companions whereas at Hawthorn.
He stated that he hoped there may be a decision to the report by the tip of the yr.
The report was handed to the AFL, which can set up a four-person panel to have a look at the allegations.
The racism claims had been revealed final week, with four-time Hawks premiership coach Alastair Clarkson, his then-assistant Chris Fagan and ex-Hawthorn welfare supervisor Jason Burt named in an ABC report detailing historic allegations from some Indigenous Hawthorn gamers.
Clarkson, now at North Melbourne, and Fagan have stood down from their teaching duties.
“I don’t think about this to be a disaster,” Kennett stated.
“Hawthorn worth our workers … equally and we’re at all times attempting to enhance the help and companies that we give our workers.
“After I learn the draft report … I used to be considerably flabbergasted — and worse.
“It wasn’t a very good learn. I hope this matter could be resolved shortly by all events concerned.”
‘I do not see this as a disaster’
Kennett stated the individuals interviewed for the report had requested confidentiality and Hawthorn revered that.
“I do not see this as a disaster — I do know this membership, I do know its historical past and I do know its power,” he stated.
“We’ll take care of this and help in any approach we will.”
Kennett additionally stated the problems had been historic and referred to as on any Hawthorn workers to inform the membership on the time in the event that they imagine inappropriate behaviour has occurred.
“The one factor the investigation confirmed was that now we have a protected cultural office now. So these are problems with the previous,” he stated.
He hopes there could be some type of mediation so any points could be resolved shortly.
“It might be resolved earlier than the tip of the yr so individuals can get on with their lives,” he stated.
“We’ll by no means, ever apologise for doing what is important to place the welfare of our workers first.
“This has come as a shock. One thing good will come of this.”
On the finish of his speech, Kennett once more insisted the Hawks would “overcome” the difficulty.
“Perceive this as being a bump alongside the freeway, however … it is a crucial bump and it must be handled professionally,” he stated.
“I cannot settle for the truth that we as a membership can not overcome this newest problem.
“We have now the individuals, now we have the will and now we have that indelible ingredient which is togetherness.”
AAP/ABC
