Hawthorn are within the midst of negotiations with the AFL to cease any league sanctions over the membership’s dealing with of the Binmada Report.
Current president Andy Gowers stated the Hawks could be “extremely disappointed” if the AFL punished the membership, whereas his predecessor Jeff Kennett wrote to the AFL fee over the problem.
When AFL chief govt Gillon McLachlan introduced on Tuesday evening the inquiry into racism claims at Hawthorn was ending, he added the league was contemplating its choices with regard to the Hawks.
McLachlan stated the way in which Hawthorn dealt with the method when preliminary allegations had been made put many events concerned in a “hugely vulnerable situation”.
But Gowers stated on Wednesday the membership had performed “by the book” by handing the Binmada Report to the AFL integrity unit.
Hawthorn handed over the report with out talking to then coach Alastair Clarkson, Chris Fagan and Jason Burt first in regards to the accusations made in opposition to them.
But earlier than these claims may very well be taken additional, the bombshell allegations had been leaked to the media final September.
Kennett questioned “on what basis” the Hawks may very well be charged by the AFL.
Kennett stated he had written to the AFL Commission asking them to finalise the method “very quickly”, saying he feared it might proceed for an extra eight months.
“We did what we had to do,” Kennett informed 3AW on Wednesday.
“We got a complaint, we set in place a process to hear the stories from our Indigenous people.
“Once we obtained the report we realised what was contained in it, we gave it to integrity.
“That is not acting against the interests of the AFL, that’s acting in the interest.”
Gowers held a media convention on Wednesday morning, reiterating the membership welcomed the AFL’s resolution to finish the inquiry.
Asked in regards to the potential for AFL sanctions in opposition to Hawthorn, he stated there have been “a number of discussions” ongoing with the league.
“Of course we’d be extremely disappointed if this matter led to sanctions, including financial, but what I would say is we went into this process with the best of intentions. I don’t think anybody is questioning that,” he stated.
“We will be in what I would describe as very close communication with the AFL. And we’ll work through it.”
Gowers repeatedly stated the leaking of the report, not Hawthorn’s actions, was the largest issue within the drawn out saga.
“The leak to the media was very unfortunate. That’s putting it mildly,” he stated.
The Hawks president added he was unaware of who leaked the report, including there is no such thing as a proof it got here from the membership.
Gowers was requested in regards to the complainants probably taking authorized motion in opposition to Hawthorn.
“That may happen,” he stated.
“So what we would love to happen and what I personally would love to see happen is an opportunity for the families and our staff and our coaches to have an opportunity to be listened to to be heard. And that hopefully will provide an opportunity for healing as well … that’s part of the melting pot.”
The AFL issued an apology on Tuesday evening and Gowers didn’t rule out Hawthorn doing the identical.
“We look forward to an ongoing dialogue with all parties and what I’m here to do today is not rule anything in or rule anything out. We’re completely open to what the landscape looks like from here,” he stated.
Source: www.perthnow.com.au
