Chris Fagan has felt no want to deal with accusations of racism throughout his time at Hawthorn along with his Brisbane gamers since coming back from voluntary go away, stressing he has a “clear conscience” and has the squad’s belief.
The Lions AFL coach has denied any wrongdoing with regard to the disturbing allegations on the Hawks, the place was an assistant to Alastair Clarkson and served as soccer boss.
Both coaches will co-operate with an unbiased investigation into claims together with {that a} request was made to separate younger Indigenous gamers from their companions, and that strain was utilized for a being pregnant to be terminated for the sake of a participant’s profession.
The full Lions squad returned to coaching on Monday, with Fagan publicly addressing the allegations for the primary time since they had been reported in September.
“Probably the first couple of weeks (I struggled), not really knowing whether it was OK to walk down the street or not,” he advised a press convention.
“But after a while, I realised we can’t live like that. So I’ve just been living normally since that point.
“I’ve acquired a really clear conscience. They say a transparent conscience is the very best sedative and I’m sleeping properly.”
Fagan said he had not contemplated resigning during his voluntary stand down period and that he signed a confidentiality agreement last Friday ahead of the investigation, which is yet to begin.
Monday’s session was the first time the entire squad had gathered since the allegations surfaced just days after Brisbane’s preliminary final loss to Geelong in September.
But Fagan saw no need to address the squad collectively, though he said he had spoken to some players individually.
“I’ve labored with them for six years. And they belief me, they belief me. So there’s been no want for a dialog,” he mentioned.
“I do know everybody’s actually keen on my ideas on it, and I respect that, however you additionally must respect the truth that it’ll stay non-public till … the investigation is over.”
When that will be is unclear, however.
“We all thought it was going to be over by Christmas time however it’ll go longer than that,” Fagan mentioned.
“I’m simply patiently ready for my alternative to talk on the investigation.
“You’d like it to happen sooner rather than later. But I’ve got to be patient.
“We’ll simply wait and see what the investigation reveals.”
Vice-captain Harris Andrews said the Lions believed in their coach’s innocence, given Fagan’s track record since arriving in Brisbane in 2017.
“We can solely go off what we have skilled with Fages and he is been nothing however a terrific determine,” he mentioned.
“To create an surroundings the place so many gamers wish to come and be part of the membership is thrilling for us.
“He’s been such a great leader at that footy club and someone that we all really love to be around.”
