A big step forward in the Hawthorn racism crisis is expected, with Alastair Clarkson and Chris Fagan meeting with former Hawks players for the first time since explosive claims appeared.
According to 7 News Melbourne on Tuesday night, Clarkson and Fagan, who have strenuously disputed the allegations, are due to meet with four-time premiership star Cyril Rioli and other Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander former Hawks players in late March for conciliation talks.
According to Mitch Cleary’s report, the Human Rights Commission conciliation process will take place in Melbourne on March 26 and 27, one day before Fagan’s Lions visit Collingwood and two days before Clarkson’s Kangaroos play Carlton.
Despite the fact that conversations were planned to take place just days before major matches, Cleary said on 7 News Melbourne that both coaches were “accepting of the dates requested” and that this demonstrated the duo’s great dedication to the process.
It is believed that Hawks representatives would participate in the conversation, with the possibility of reaching a resolution at the end of negotiations if all parties are satisfied with the outcome, 18 months after explosive claims were made public.
According to sources, earlier attempts at mediation between the parties were unsuccessful.
In May of last year, the AFL concluded its investigation into allegations of historic racism at Hawthorn, with “no adverse findings” against former Hawks coach Clarkson, ex-football manager Fagan, and former welfare manager Jason Burt.
However, the agreement reached did not prevent the complainants from taking further action.
