Jeff Kennett, outgoing president Hawthorne has criticised three First Nations players and their partner who spoke to media about their experiences with AFL clubs.
These are the main points
- Jeff Kennett, Hawks president, said that players who spoke with ABC shouldn’t identify anyone publicly.
- He stated that he was “stunned”, when he first read the report.
- Kennett expressed hope that a solution will be found before the end of this year.
Club officials commissioned an external audit that found key figures requesting Young First Nations players be divorced from their partners. One spouse was even forced to terminate her pregnancy.
Kennett stated that the ABC players shouldn’t be able to name people in public.
He said, “Unfortunately they made a choice to speak to press… They named people with real problems.”
“It was unfair to them [people]This is why we must solve the problem.
Kennett was speaking at the club’s Best & Most Beautiful Awards ceremony. He said the club wasn’t in crisis and that it was a “bump along a highway”.
However, he admitted to the crowd that it was “somewhat surprising – and worse” that he had read a draft of the club’s investigation into the experiences of Indigenous player and their partners at Hawthorne.
He indicated that he was hopeful of finding a solution by the end the year.
The Federation of the Armed Forces of Liberia has received the report. It will create a panel of four people to investigate the allegations.
Last week’s racism allegations were exposed by Hawks coach Alistair Clarkson, who was the four-time Premier, Chris Fagan, his assistant, and Jason Burt, former Hawthorne manager. An ABC report detailed historical allegations made by some Hawthorne players.
Clarkson, who is now in north Melbourne, has resigned, as well as Vagan, from their coaching roles.
Kennett said, “I don’t consider this a crisis.”
“Hawthorn values our employees… as an equal and we are always trying to improve the support and services we provide to our employees.
“When I read the draft of the report… I was somewhat dumbfounded – and even worse.
“It wasn’t a good reading experience. All parties involved should resolve this matter quickly.
“I don’t consider it a crisis.”
Kennett stated that interviewees for the report requested confidentiality, and that Hawthorne accepts this request.
He said, “I don’t see a problem in that.” “I know the history of this club and its strength.”
“We will help you in any way possible.”
Kennett stated that the issues were not new and asked any Hawthorne staff member to report inappropriate behavior to the club.
“The investigation revealed that there is a safe culture workplace in place now. These are past issues,” he stated.
He hopes for mediation to quickly resolve any problems.
He said, “It can still be resolved before the year ends so people can continue with their lives.”
“We will never apologize for doing what is necessary to put the best interest of our employees first.
It was so shocking. It will bring you something positive.”
Kennett emphasized again at the end that the Hawks “overcome” this problem.
He said, “Understand it as a bump on the highway, but… it’s important bump and should be treated professionally.”
“I won’t accept the fact that, as a club, we can’t overcome this last issue.
“We have the people, the desire and this indelible ingredient, teamwork.
AAP/ABC
Originally published at Brisbane News Station
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