AFL pledges investigation into ‘harrowing and disturbing’ allegations from Hawthorn First Nations players

The AFL will create an external independent panel to investigate the “challenging, harrowing and disturbing” allegations about Hawthorn’s mistreatment of First Nations former players, including that the Hawks separated Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander players from their families and pressured one couple to terminate a pregnancy.

On Wednesday Brisbane Lions announced that head coach Chris Fagan, a former Hawks staffer, would take a leave of absence so he could fully cooperate in the investigation.

AFL chief executive Gillon McLachlan fronted the media on Wednesday after the ABC reported the distressing contents of a Hawthorn-commissioned review based on interviews with First Nations players, pledging the governing body would “get to the bottom of it”.

“What we have seen today is a challenging, harrowing and disturbing read,” he said. “I acknowledge the hurt, the anger and the grief of people who have shared their experiences and told their stories and all of those impacted.

“I want to say to the women and the partners and also the players who have shared their stories that our first priority is to you, and to provide the care and the support that you need. You have been heard, and as a support and a community, we will do our best to wrap our arms around you in support.

“It is important that we continue to communicate with you and to you. Your welfare is the most pressing priority for us because I know that sharing these stories is not easy, but it is important that you do, and they want to thank you all who have shared their experiences as part of this review.”

The Hawks commissioned the review after former First Nations Hawks star Cyril Rioli made allegations of racist treatment in April.

McLachlan said the AFL