Hawthorn great Shaun Burgoyne said the racism allegations levelled at the club came as a shock and surprise to him.
An ABC report this week lifted the lid on disturbing allegations of racism against past Hawthorn First Nations players, with the AFL now committed to launching an external review following the club’s report into their treatment of several members of the playing group at the time.
Chris Fagan and Alastair Clarkson – who were at Hawthorn at the time – were named in the story but have both denied the allegations.
They have opted to take a leave of absence from their respective positions in the industry until the AFL’s investigations are complete.
Speaking on Channel 7’s Grand Final coverage on Saturday, Burgoyne said the allegations were “shocking and disturbing”, saying he would wait for the AFL’s investigation to finish before commenting further.
“This has come at a surprise,” he said.
“I’m in a bit of shock and a bit of disbelief about the allegations that have taken place, especially while I was at the club.
“I was asked to be part of a formal report from hawthorn and I wasn’t quite sure what was going to come out of it, because everything is confidential.
“The allegations have come out and they’re shocking and disturbing, which has taken myself and a whole lot of teammates and people at the club by surprise.
“Once we know the exact details, I’ll be in a better position to make a proper statement and judgement on what happened once the full investigation (is completed).
“Right now, everyone (involved at the club) is in a state of shock.”
Burgoyne played 250 games for Hawthorn, winning four premierships in his time at the club.