Coach Alastair Clarkson IV - HFC Racism Investigation Discussion

[Samsquanch]

As I am unsure I will ask. Is the racism allegation against Kennett regarding the ripped jeans?

As I don’t believe that was racist amd I’ve said similar, most older folk have.

The dolls he keeps is 119% racist .
And disgusting

To tell the truth, I wore a pair of ripped jeans to work one Friday and my boss came out with the line, "Don't we pay you enough?". Gave me a good opening to the next annual review.

The doll thing: An adult man... Nup. It's >119% racist.

 

[Kangaroos4eva]

As I am unsure I will ask. Is the racism allegation against Kennett regarding the ripped jeans?

As I don’t believe that was racist amd I’ve said similar, most older folk have.

The dolls he keeps is 119% racist .
And disgusting

What’s the doll and ripped jean stories for the uneducated?

 

[Kangaroos4eva]

To tell the truth, I wore a pair of ripped jeans to work one Friday and my boss came out with the line, "Don't we pay you enough?". Gave me a good opening to the next annual review.

The doll thing: An adult man... Nup. It's >119% racist.

My direct supervisor said something to me today. Basically along the lines of “you really push the definition of casual Friday to the limit”.

 

[DesertRoo]

My direct supervisor said something to me today. Basically along the lines of “you really push the definition of casual Friday to the limit”.

 

[Samsquanch]

What’s the doll and ripped jean stories for the uneducated?

There are articles from The Age, Hun and other outlets, but the authoritive source is...

Jeff Kennett's vast collection of Golliwogs

The Esteemed President of the Hawthorn Football Club is copping heat for having one of the world's largest collection of Golliwogs, a child's toy characterised by frizzy black hair, jet black skin, red lips and bright white teeth. While some consider the Golliwog to be a racist caricature of...

www.bigfooty.com

 

[The acurate one]

My direct supervisor said something to me today. Basically along the lines of “you really push the definition of casual Friday to the limit”.

jump on ancestry .com and order a kit, and then fingers crossed.

i did and it is fairly acurate, said I was from Springvale sth, I'm actually from Mulgrave so that's pretty close.

 

[Makeshift Park]

What’s the doll and ripped jean stories for the uneducated?

Spoiler: The ripped jeans story

‘The only club I wouldn’t put my hand up for right now’: Why Hawks legend Cyril Rioli has stayed away​

By Caroline Wilson​

Updated April 2, 2022 — 6.01pm



It is almost four years since Hawthorn president Jeff Kennett spoke to Cyril Rioli’s wife Shannyn in a manner that ultimately precipitated the champion footballer’s dramatic exit from the football club and the game he had so richly punctuated for more than a decade.
The incident has been privately acknowledged by the Hawks and publicly downplayed by Kennett but never have the Riolis publicly addressed what took place in Launceston during the Indigenous round of 2018 after the club’s narrow victory over Port Adelaide.
Rioli described the incident as “the final straw” in the club’s precarious relationship with its Indigenous players and their culture after a string of events in previous years.
Shannyn Ah Sam-Rioli was standing in Launceston Airport with a woman called Lulu (who she refers to as her mother-in-law) - who had designed the Hawks’ Indigenous round guernsey - when Kennett approached her and commented upon her designer ripped jeans. According to Shannyn, Kennett asked her what was wrong with her jeans. After making a retort about his boots, Shannyn asked Kennett: “What’s wrong with what I’m wearing Jeffrey?”

Cyril Rioli and Shannyn Ah Sam-Rioli.

The Hawks president then placed his hands in his pockets and offered her - he claims as a joke - some loose change to buy thread to sew up the jeans.
In the days that followed the exchange between Shannyn and a man she barely knew, her husband Cyril missed training and a crisis developed with a number of top-level club meetings involving Kennett, football boss Graham Wright, coach Alastair Clarkson, Rioli’s manager Adam Ramanauskas and teammate Shaun Burgoyne among others. Kennett sent text messages to Rioli and then wrote the Riolis a letter. The couple still keep the letter in their Darwin home. Shannyn says now that his handwriting was superb, but the words were not enough.
“I felt belittled and humiliated,” she said. “The club kept saying I was over-reacting, but they were portraying me as the angry black woman. They said later I had wanted to go home to Darwin for a while. That’s not right.”
Added Cyril Rioli: “I’ve never really spoken about what happened in Tassie, but I think there was a lot of gaslighting at the end of my career by the club.” Rioli’s relationship with Hawthorn is complex and multi-layered, but he remains estranged from the Hawks and doubts he will attend the next 10-year premiership reunion in 2023.
Of the club president, Rioli said: “I wouldn’t want to be there while he’s there.”

The letter Hawthorn president Jeff Kennett sent Cyril Rioli’s wife, Shannyn.

There were many incidents that built to Rioli’s decision. Twice Shannyn says she prompted the club to improve its cultural awareness, but there was little response. In an incident that still devastates the couple, they say that on an end-of-season trip in 2013 a senior player asked teammates whether the partner of an Indigenous teammate was “also a boong”.
Kennett insists the Tasmanian incident was misconstrued and that he was disappointed that Rioli felt the way he did. He said on Friday he had exchanged messages as recently as five weeks ago with the champion footballer while Kennett was in Darwin visiting his son, and that he still hoped to catch up with Rioli in-person when the Hawks played in Darwin next month.
“We’re very disappointed his career ended with us when it did. We’ve reached out to Cyril so many times. He is part of Hawthorn, and he is part of Hawthorn’s history, and I’m so disappointed he’s come to this conclusion. But it is what it is.”
Kennett reiterated that his airport comment to Shannyn regarding her jeans was similar to jokes he had made many times previously with many other people. He said he had not meant to cause offence.

Spoiler: The story about Jeff's golliwog collection

Jeff Kennett's golliwog 'Buddy' raises eyebrows​

HAWTHORN president Jeff Kennett has sparked controversy after naming his latest golliwog after footy star Lance ''Buddy'' Franklin.

Staff writers
HeraldSun
https://www.heraldsun.com.au/news/g.../51e70207699c29bb6c7d59c1b315cf11#share-tools

Jeff Kennett and golliwog / Channel 9

FORMER premier Jeff Kennett has once again courted controversy with his love of the golliwog.
The Hawthorn president has revealed the latest member of his golliwog collection wears a brown and gold uniform, is tall and thin and goes by the name of Buddy, after Hawks forward Lance "Buddy" Franklin.
"Buddy (Franklin) is long, tall and thin and I hope he is as proud of the golliwog as I am," Mr Kennett said when asked what Buddy Franklin's response would be to his namesake.
"They are a major part of my life and I love them," he said.

"Everyone is entitled to their opinion.
"Every golliwog has a name. This one is in Hawthorn colours and he will be my Buddy. He joins Jacko, Mr King - named after boxing promoter Don King - and 40 other gollies in my collection."
But not everyone shares his love of the doll, and former Brisbane Lion Chris Johnson yesterday voiced concern about Mr Kennett's latest golly, which comes after a string of incidents involving racism in football.
"It's definitely a little bit inappropriate," he said.

"He probably should be thinking of the pressure he is putting on Franklin.
"I don't think it matters what colour you are, he is being disrespectful to one of his marquee players who should be focusing on a big game this weekend."
Mr Kennett has previously sung the praises of golliwogs, last year describing them as "the most repressed toys in society today".
He has 40 in his collection, including Jacko who was a present when he was born.
"They are a major part of my life and I love them," he told the Herald Sun.
"I don't intend to listen to those who have lost their sense of humour and seek to make a political correctness issue out of everything.
"I have a complete series of golliwog books to read to my grandchildren and I don't intend to abandon the things in my life that give me pleasure. I'm not hurting anyone and I am not committing any crime."

"I never take any golliwogs to the game."

 

[Devington]

It was coins apparently and I am not a Jeff fan fyi. To answer your question it would depend on my relationship with that person and wouldn't be race related. I'd say it regardless of their skin colour if I chose to say it at all.

I mean I wouldn't say it to a complete stranger is my point.

And a very interesting thought process about how we should interact with people of colour. I would like to think that if you can't say it to a "coloured" person then you can't say it to a white person.


Yes with his collection of dolls Jeff has done himself no favours and I can see how people will join the dots, just doesn't make it true.

Just read an old article of Rioli signing a new contract until 2020, he seemed very happy. When did the wheels fall off?

“There was no hesitation after being offered the extension until 2020. It was a no brainer for me and I said yes immediately.”

At minimum it was weird and insensitive. My gut says he just thought it was some friendly banter and didn't give a toss that it was the expense of Rioli's wife, nor did he consider that Rioli wasn't a friend, and it's all because that's just how Jeff is.

 

[Del191229]

Have you ever watched Yes Minister?

Sir Humphry: "Never hold an enquiry where you don't already know the outcome Minister."

Kennet has made pretty much the same statement multiple times. Didn't he say that he only ever held one enquiry while in office for that very reason?

He did indeed.

 

[DunstallsHelmet]

What’s the doll and ripped jean stories for the uneducated?

This is still the best explanation I've seen about how the comments may have been interpreted: News - Hawthorn Racism Review - No player name speculation - opposition posters tread very carefully

 

[Orange Peanut]

This is still the best explanation I've seen about how the comments may have been interpreted: News - Hawthorn Racism Review - No player name speculation - opposition posters tread very carefully

This was great.

 

[Del191229]

Crawford saying that indigenous players of the period support Clarkson but won't go public because they don't want to be seen to be undermining other Aboriginal people

Crawford details “worry” for Hawthorn’s direction under ex-teammate Mitchell

“That’s the worrying thing.”

www.sen.com.au

 

[the big lebowski]

Crawford saying that indigenous players of the period support Clarkson but won't go public because they don't want to be seen to be undermining other Aboriginal people

Crawford details “worry” for Hawthorn’s direction under ex-teammate Mitchell

“That’s the worrying thing.”

www.sen.com.au

Strong support and great to hear that indigenous players will be backing Clarkson and fagan in the investigation, albeit not publicly which I can understand to a degree.

 

[Psicosis]

Crawford saying that indigenous players of the period support Clarkson but won't go public because they don't want to be seen to be undermining other Aboriginal people

Crawford details “worry” for Hawthorn’s direction under ex-teammate Mitchell

“That’s the worrying thing.”

www.sen.com.au

This is telling. The language Crawf uses as someone that knows the details about the story.

The morons on the MB will no doubt roll out the "white man has good experience" narrative, but the comments around the indigenous players that support Clarkson, Fagan & Burt is exactly what many of us are hearing and makes that narrative crap.

 

[GS WARRIORS]

This is telling. The language Crawf uses as someone that knows the details about the story.

The morons on the MB will no doubt roll out the "white man has good experience" narrative, but the comments around the indigenous players that support Clarkson, Fagan & Burt is exactly what many of us are hearing and makes that narrative crap.

How many tweets will that ABC bloke post at Crawford for saying it's been tough on the accused, and they haven't been able to defend themselves. Or does he just take cheap shots at women.

 

[the big lebowski]

Can someone please post the herald sun article with mark Robinson thoughts on what clarko should do

Thanks

 

[Passmore]

Can someone please post the herald sun article with mark Robinson thoughts on what clarko should do

Thanks

Given it’s Friday arvo it should be a goodun.

 

[KickItAnywhere34]

Can someone please post the herald sun article with mark Robinson thoughts on what clarko should do

Thanks

Don’t bother - once again Robbo goes off half cocked with further rumours and innuendo. Doesn’t even bother to wonder why there should be innocence until proven guilty. Evidently it’s all about Clarko with Hawthorn and the other accused playing bit parts and the accusers being blindly supported.

 

[Psicosis]

Can someone please post the herald sun article with mark Robinson thoughts on what clarko should do

Thanks

He somehow finds a way to mentions James Hird. Should tell you everything you need to know that it’s not worth the read.

 

[KickItAnywhere34]

But for those who wish to read this drivel -

Sorry business: A possible path forward for Clarkson and co
https://www.heraldsun.com.au/sport/...o/news-story/f3339e584ccbc4ac38422475ebd01a80

 

[the big lebowski]

Again, can someone please post the words to the article

Thanks

 

[KickItAnywhere34]

Again, can someone please post the words to the article

Thanks

Would an apology save Alastair

Clarkson?

That's certainly not suggesting Clarkson is guilty of racism, but perhaps he might be guilty of cultural insensitivities or naivety if you like, which hardly makes him Robinson Crusoe in a world where millions of people are insensitive to race.

Or Clarkson might not be guilty of anything, which he says.

On September 21, he put out a statement declaring he was "shocked" by claims of racism directed at him and refuted any allegation of wrongdoing.

On November 2, his first day at North Melbourne as coach, Clarkson said there was more "depth and history" to the serious allegations made against him, which included allegations about terminating an unborn child.



It was also asserted that Clarkson had told friends he would sell his house and belongings to fund the legal fees to clear his name.

It would seem crystal clear Clarkson is set for the fight of his life.

Two men and two women have agreed to participate in the independent investigation, and the four panel members of the investigation will soon, if they haven't already, start to visit them to hear their stories.

Alastair Clarkson during his final year as Hawthorn coach.

Picture• Getty Ima∞es



It can be revealed today, another former player and another couple are considering whether to also tell their stories. At present, they are scared, but a level of determination exists.

That's four people, possibly seven, with multiple stories about Clarkson's behaviour at Hawthorn, stories and context and depth which Clarkson will get the opportunity to explain.

Already, we have read some of those stories, in an ABC report and when the Herald Sun published the Hawthorn internal review, which was delivered to the AFL.

There are other stories, which cannot be printed today, but will be aired to the independent investigators, and which will be made public, according to the AFL.



Clarkson denies everything.

The four-time premiership coach is not the only former Hawthorn staffer to be named - the others are Chris Fagan and Jason Burt - but clearly Clarkson is the central figure.

A man who loves total control of his environment, Clarkson has lost control of his. It must be an unsettling place to land.

Ask James Hird, who was the central figure in the Essendon supplements saga.

Almost eight years ago, Clarkson had little to no sympathy for Hird and the situation Hird found himself in.

Hird denied everything then, as is

Clarkson now.

Back then, Clarkson accused Hird of

"ambushing" the game.



"We need to ensure it never happens in our game again," Clarkson said of the Dons scandal.

"What have we learned? What have coaches learned about their obligations and responsibilities to young men? What have clubs learned? What have junior coaches learned?

"It's too easy to sweep it under the carpet and hope it's never going to happen again. It comes down to having the right systems and protocols in place."

Alastair Clarkson didn't have much sympathy for James Hird during the Essendon saga. Picture: AAP Images



He later told The Age: "We're only temporary custodians. We're just here to protect the game and pass the baton on to the next generation and ensure it is in a good state.

"We've just got to make sure that things like what happened last year (at

Essendon) must never be allowed to ambush the game again, to tarnish what is a great game."

Oh, how the wheel turns.

Who knows how the investigation will play out.

A canvas of several senior football figures this week did not elicit one definitive

answer.

If Clarkson is found guilty of "something" by the panel, the AFL will need to determine a penalty, be that a fine, a suspension or deregistration. Yes, it's possible Clarkson will not coach a single game at North Melbourne.

If Clarkson rejects those findings and any

AFL punishment, then, at this stage, a drawn-out court case costing millions of dollars is a real possibility.

And if Clarkson is found not guilty?

The First Nations players and their families, and the wider Indigenous football nation will believe it's a white man's world with white-man's rules, which believe white men over them.

It's beyond complex.

It's been described as a he said-she said scenario, but it's more than that. It's a he said/they said scenario. And "they' believe they have overwhelming evidence that shows Clarkson is a racist at worst, and insensitive and ignorant at worst, and insensitive and ignorant at best.

Clarkson's current position is that of a prize fighter standing in his corner, ready to swing at everything and everyone, and refusing to take a backward step.

That's his right.

MOUTL4

Alastair Clarkson arrives at North Melbourne on his first official day at the club. Picture: Jake Nowakowski

But it's also his right to reconsider his position, that his behaviour and words more than 10 years ago might've been insensitive, which is the softer version of racism.

That position could possibly deliver an alternate end to proceedings - other than a courtroom.

It may be too late for that, anyway, after Clarkson's adamant first-up denials.

But if Clarkson wanted to apologise, and it was sincere and it was broadcast to the nation, the possibility of mediation would be alive.

It's only a thought.

Because, let's be honest, this is a cluster of epic proportions, and it needs leaders and processes put in place, so there's more understanding and teachings and learnings to be had.

Clarkson already has reputational damage - the allegations themselves carry enough mud - but it can't be all about a witch-hunt and what happened

10 years ago.

It's also got to be about what happens now and into the future.

This week, the AFL Players Association supported a demand for the AFL to annually review its indigenous practices, as well as identify and admit to past failings.

Suddenly, a terrible situation has prompted a cultural movement, and one that will need all types of leaders.

Could Clarkson become one? Could an acceptance that he could've been better and an apology help shape the future?

Again, it's only a thought.



Clearly, some people would accept his contriteness.

Some Indigenous people, however, would ask how an intelligent man who has been in the system since the racial vilification rules were put in place in 1995, who has been educated on Indigenous culture and beliefs, could be so insensitive, or even flippant on race.

One issue is measuring what happened, or what was allegedly said, 10 years ago against the 2022 standards of education and understanding. The flip-side issue is what does that matter?

The AFL is not without failings during this time. They handled the Adam Goodes situation badly, starting off by not punishing Eddie McGuire for his comments about Goodes, to not punishing Adelaide for its camp debacle, as outlined by Eddie Betts.



It's been reported AFL boss Gill

McLachlan will remain in his role until the Hawks scandal is over.

TOTA

Gill McLachlan will remain in his role until the Hawks scandal is over. Picture: David Crosling

I initially agreed with that stance, but as the situation has grown to be a cultural movement, and the AFL has indicated it's ready to combat racism on a much bigger scale, the horizon looks like it's a line in the sand moment.

McLachlan is part of the past on Indigenous issues - and it's been problematic - and what's happening now commands a great focus to the future.

At least fresh eyes.

A new CEO could own and drive this powerful position on Indigenous understanding and responsibility.

And the perfect person for that is Richmond CEO Brendon Gale, who while talented and quirky and absolutely should be the prime candidate for the CEO's role, he has also put in place at the Tigers an authentic commitment to listen, learn and understand.

They are not perfect, the Tigers, but the outcome has been a sporting club that is culturally safe on and off the field and without peer among every sports club in Australia.

Take note, Richard Goyder.



It is said the AFL does not like Gale for the role, but the clubs believe that is ludicrous thinking.

The Clarkson situation, meanwhile, is not his alone. While testimonies will centre on Clarkson, former Hawks people Burt, Fagan, current Suns CEO Mark Evans and current AFL Commissioner Andrew Newbold also feature.

As does Hawthorn as a footy club, which is likely to be punished by the AFL, and which could be up for millions of dollars in court fees and potential civil fallout.

The reputational damage to people and to the club and to the league could be like we haven't seen in the game before.

Whatever happens, the trauma is absolute on all sides.

 

[the big lebowski]

Would an apology save Alastair

Clarkson?

That's certainly not suggesting Clarkson is guilty of racism, but perhaps he might be guilty of cultural insensitivities or naivety if you like, which hardly makes him Robinson Crusoe in a world where millions of people are insensitive to race.

Or Clarkson might not be guilty of anything, which he says.

On September 21, he put out a statement declaring he was "shocked" by claims of racism directed at him and refuted any allegation of wrongdoing.

On November 2, his first day at North Melbourne as coach, Clarkson said there was more "depth and history" to the serious allegations made against him, which included allegations about terminating an unborn child.



It was also asserted that Clarkson had told friends he would sell his house and belongings to fund the legal fees to clear his name.

It would seem crystal clear Clarkson is set for the fight of his life.

Two men and two women have agreed to participate in the independent investigation, and the four panel members of the investigation will soon, if they haven't already, start to visit them to hear their stories.

Alastair Clarkson during his final year as Hawthorn coach.

Picture• Getty Ima∞es



It can be revealed today, another former player and another couple are considering whether to also tell their stories. At present, they are scared, but a level of determination exists.

That's four people, possibly seven, with multiple stories about Clarkson's behaviour at Hawthorn, stories and context and depth which Clarkson will get the opportunity to explain.

Already, we have read some of those stories, in an ABC report and when the Herald Sun published the Hawthorn internal review, which was delivered to the AFL.

There are other stories, which cannot be printed today, but will be aired to the independent investigators, and which will be made public, according to the AFL.



Clarkson denies everything.

The four-time premiership coach is not the only former Hawthorn staffer to be named - the others are Chris Fagan and Jason Burt - but clearly Clarkson is the central figure.

A man who loves total control of his environment, Clarkson has lost control of his. It must be an unsettling place to land.

Ask James Hird, who was the central figure in the Essendon supplements saga.

Almost eight years ago, Clarkson had little to no sympathy for Hird and the situation Hird found himself in.

Hird denied everything then, as is

Clarkson now.

Back then, Clarkson accused Hird of

"ambushing" the game.



"We need to ensure it never happens in our game again," Clarkson said of the Dons scandal.

"What have we learned? What have coaches learned about their obligations and responsibilities to young men? What have clubs learned? What have junior coaches learned?

"It's too easy to sweep it under the carpet and hope it's never going to happen again. It comes down to having the right systems and protocols in place."

Alastair Clarkson didn't have much sympathy for James Hird during the Essendon saga. Picture: AAP Images



He later told The Age: "We're only temporary custodians. We're just here to protect the game and pass the baton on to the next generation and ensure it is in a good state.

"We've just got to make sure that things like what happened last year (at

Essendon) must never be allowed to ambush the game again, to tarnish what is a great game."

Oh, how the wheel turns.

Who knows how the investigation will play out.

A canvas of several senior football figures this week did not elicit one definitive

answer.

If Clarkson is found guilty of "something" by the panel, the AFL will need to determine a penalty, be that a fine, a suspension or deregistration. Yes, it's possible Clarkson will not coach a single game at North Melbourne.

If Clarkson rejects those findings and any

AFL punishment, then, at this stage, a drawn-out court case costing millions of dollars is a real possibility.

And if Clarkson is found not guilty?

The First Nations players and their families, and the wider Indigenous football nation will believe it's a white man's world with white-man's rules, which believe white men over them.

It's beyond complex.

It's been described as a he said-she said scenario, but it's more than that. It's a he said/they said scenario. And "they' believe they have overwhelming evidence that shows Clarkson is a racist at worst, and insensitive and ignorant at worst, and insensitive and ignorant at best.

Clarkson's current position is that of a prize fighter standing in his corner, ready to swing at everything and everyone, and refusing to take a backward step.

That's his right.

MOUTL4

Alastair Clarkson arrives at North Melbourne on his first official day at the club. Picture: Jake Nowakowski

But it's also his right to reconsider his position, that his behaviour and words more than 10 years ago might've been insensitive, which is the softer version of racism.

That position could possibly deliver an alternate end to proceedings - other than a courtroom.

It may be too late for that, anyway, after Clarkson's adamant first-up denials.

But if Clarkson wanted to apologise, and it was sincere and it was broadcast to the nation, the possibility of mediation would be alive.

It's only a thought.

Because, let's be honest, this is a cluster of epic proportions, and it needs leaders and processes put in place, so there's more understanding and teachings and learnings to be had.

Clarkson already has reputational damage - the allegations themselves carry enough mud - but it can't be all about a witch-hunt and what happened

10 years ago.

It's also got to be about what happens now and into the future.

This week, the AFL Players Association supported a demand for the AFL to annually review its indigenous practices, as well as identify and admit to past failings.

Suddenly, a terrible situation has prompted a cultural movement, and one that will need all types of leaders.

Could Clarkson become one? Could an acceptance that he could've been better and an apology help shape the future?

Again, it's only a thought.



Clearly, some people would accept his contriteness.

Some Indigenous people, however, would ask how an intelligent man who has been in the system since the racial vilification rules were put in place in 1995, who has been educated on Indigenous culture and beliefs, could be so insensitive, or even flippant on race.

One issue is measuring what happened, or what was allegedly said, 10 years ago against the 2022 standards of education and understanding. The flip-side issue is what does that matter?

The AFL is not without failings during this time. They handled the Adam Goodes situation badly, starting off by not punishing Eddie McGuire for his comments about Goodes, to not punishing Adelaide for its camp debacle, as outlined by Eddie Betts.



It's been reported AFL boss Gill

McLachlan will remain in his role until the Hawks scandal is over.

TOTA

Gill McLachlan will remain in his role until the Hawks scandal is over. Picture: David Crosling

I initially agreed with that stance, but as the situation has grown to be a cultural movement, and the AFL has indicated it's ready to combat racism on a much bigger scale, the horizon looks like it's a line in the sand moment.

McLachlan is part of the past on Indigenous issues - and it's been problematic - and what's happening now commands a great focus to the future.

At least fresh eyes.

A new CEO could own and drive this powerful position on Indigenous understanding and responsibility.

And the perfect person for that is Richmond CEO Brendon Gale, who while talented and quirky and absolutely should be the prime candidate for the CEO's role, he has also put in place at the Tigers an authentic commitment to listen, learn and understand.

They are not perfect, the Tigers, but the outcome has been a sporting club that is culturally safe on and off the field and without peer among every sports club in Australia.

Take note, Richard Goyder.



It is said the AFL does not like Gale for the role, but the clubs believe that is ludicrous thinking.

The Clarkson situation, meanwhile, is not his alone. While testimonies will centre on Clarkson, former Hawks people Burt, Fagan, current Suns CEO Mark Evans and current AFL Commissioner Andrew Newbold also feature.

As does Hawthorn as a footy club, which is likely to be punished by the AFL, and which could be up for millions of dollars in court fees and potential civil fallout.

The reputational damage to people and to the club and to the league could be like we haven't seen in the game before.

Whatever happens, the trauma is absolute on all sides.

Thank you

 

[Hearts to hearts]

Would an apology save Alastair

Clarkson?

That's certainly not suggesting Clarkson is guilty of racism, but perhaps he might be guilty of cultural insensitivities or naivety if you like, which hardly makes him Robinson Crusoe in a world where millions of people are insensitive to race.

Or Clarkson might not be guilty of anything, which he says.

On September 21, he put out a statement declaring he was "shocked" by claims of racism directed at him and refuted any allegation of wrongdoing.

On November 2, his first day at North Melbourne as coach, Clarkson said there was more "depth and history" to the serious allegations made against him, which included allegations about terminating an unborn child.



It was also asserted that Clarkson had told friends he would sell his house and belongings to fund the legal fees to clear his name.

It would seem crystal clear Clarkson is set for the fight of his life.

Two men and two women have agreed to participate in the independent investigation, and the four panel members of the investigation will soon, if they haven't already, start to visit them to hear their stories.

Alastair Clarkson during his final year as Hawthorn coach.

Picture• Getty Ima∞es



It can be revealed today, another former player and another couple are considering whether to also tell their stories. At present, they are scared, but a level of determination exists.

That's four people, possibly seven, with multiple stories about Clarkson's behaviour at Hawthorn, stories and context and depth which Clarkson will get the opportunity to explain.

Already, we have read some of those stories, in an ABC report and when the Herald Sun published the Hawthorn internal review, which was delivered to the AFL.

There are other stories, which cannot be printed today, but will be aired to the independent investigators, and which will be made public, according to the AFL.



Clarkson denies everything.

The four-time premiership coach is not the only former Hawthorn staffer to be named - the others are Chris Fagan and Jason Burt - but clearly Clarkson is the central figure.

A man who loves total control of his environment, Clarkson has lost control of his. It must be an unsettling place to land.

Ask James Hird, who was the central figure in the Essendon supplements saga.

Almost eight years ago, Clarkson had little to no sympathy for Hird and the situation Hird found himself in.

Hird denied everything then, as is

Clarkson now.

Back then, Clarkson accused Hird of

"ambushing" the game.



"We need to ensure it never happens in our game again," Clarkson said of the Dons scandal.

"What have we learned? What have coaches learned about their obligations and responsibilities to young men? What have clubs learned? What have junior coaches learned?

"It's too easy to sweep it under the carpet and hope it's never going to happen again. It comes down to having the right systems and protocols in place."

Alastair Clarkson didn't have much sympathy for James Hird during the Essendon saga. Picture: AAP Images



He later told The Age: "We're only temporary custodians. We're just here to protect the game and pass the baton on to the next generation and ensure it is in a good state.

"We've just got to make sure that things like what happened last year (at

Essendon) must never be allowed to ambush the game again, to tarnish what is a great game."

Oh, how the wheel turns.

Who knows how the investigation will play out.

A canvas of several senior football figures this week did not elicit one definitive

answer.

If Clarkson is found guilty of "something" by the panel, the AFL will need to determine a penalty, be that a fine, a suspension or deregistration. Yes, it's possible Clarkson will not coach a single game at North Melbourne.

If Clarkson rejects those findings and any

AFL punishment, then, at this stage, a drawn-out court case costing millions of dollars is a real possibility.

And if Clarkson is found not guilty?

The First Nations players and their families, and the wider Indigenous football nation will believe it's a white man's world with white-man's rules, which believe white men over them.

It's beyond complex.

It's been described as a he said-she said scenario, but it's more than that. It's a he said/they said scenario. And "they' believe they have overwhelming evidence that shows Clarkson is a racist at worst, and insensitive and ignorant at worst, and insensitive and ignorant at best.

Clarkson's current position is that of a prize fighter standing in his corner, ready to swing at everything and everyone, and refusing to take a backward step.

That's his right.

MOUTL4

Alastair Clarkson arrives at North Melbourne on his first official day at the club. Picture: Jake Nowakowski

But it's also his right to reconsider his position, that his behaviour and words more than 10 years ago might've been insensitive, which is the softer version of racism.

That position could possibly deliver an alternate end to proceedings - other than a courtroom.

It may be too late for that, anyway, after Clarkson's adamant first-up denials.

But if Clarkson wanted to apologise, and it was sincere and it was broadcast to the nation, the possibility of mediation would be alive.

It's only a thought.

Because, let's be honest, this is a cluster of epic proportions, and it needs leaders and processes put in place, so there's more understanding and teachings and learnings to be had.

Clarkson already has reputational damage - the allegations themselves carry enough mud - but it can't be all about a witch-hunt and what happened

10 years ago.

It's also got to be about what happens now and into the future.

This week, the AFL Players Association supported a demand for the AFL to annually review its indigenous practices, as well as identify and admit to past failings.

Suddenly, a terrible situation has prompted a cultural movement, and one that will need all types of leaders.

Could Clarkson become one? Could an acceptance that he could've been better and an apology help shape the future?

Again, it's only a thought.



Clearly, some people would accept his contriteness.

Some Indigenous people, however, would ask how an intelligent man who has been in the system since the racial vilification rules were put in place in 1995, who has been educated on Indigenous culture and beliefs, could be so insensitive, or even flippant on race.

One issue is measuring what happened, or what was allegedly said, 10 years ago against the 2022 standards of education and understanding. The flip-side issue is what does that matter?

The AFL is not without failings during this time. They handled the Adam Goodes situation badly, starting off by not punishing Eddie McGuire for his comments about Goodes, to not punishing Adelaide for its camp debacle, as outlined by Eddie Betts.



It's been reported AFL boss Gill

McLachlan will remain in his role until the Hawks scandal is over.

TOTA

Gill McLachlan will remain in his role until the Hawks scandal is over. Picture: David Crosling

I initially agreed with that stance, but as the situation has grown to be a cultural movement, and the AFL has indicated it's ready to combat racism on a much bigger scale, the horizon looks like it's a line in the sand moment.

McLachlan is part of the past on Indigenous issues - and it's been problematic - and what's happening now commands a great focus to the future.

At least fresh eyes.

A new CEO could own and drive this powerful position on Indigenous understanding and responsibility.

And the perfect person for that is Richmond CEO Brendon Gale, who while talented and quirky and absolutely should be the prime candidate for the CEO's role, he has also put in place at the Tigers an authentic commitment to listen, learn and understand.

They are not perfect, the Tigers, but the outcome has been a sporting club that is culturally safe on and off the field and without peer among every sports club in Australia.

Take note, Richard Goyder.



It is said the AFL does not like Gale for the role, but the clubs believe that is ludicrous thinking.

The Clarkson situation, meanwhile, is not his alone. While testimonies will centre on Clarkson, former Hawks people Burt, Fagan, current Suns CEO Mark Evans and current AFL Commissioner Andrew Newbold also feature.

As does Hawthorn as a footy club, which is likely to be punished by the AFL, and which could be up for millions of dollars in court fees and potential civil fallout.

The reputational damage to people and to the club and to the league could be like we haven't seen in the game before.

Whatever happens, the trauma is absolute on all sides.

Where to start with that? It’s such a muddle of half-baked thoughts.

 

[Psicosis]

Nice Slobbo, he’ll win a quill for that. Assume Clarko won’t be doing many 360 appearances next year giving any time to him and his cockroach co-host.