July 2, 2024

How the Hawthorn racism inquiry became an interminable mess where everyone loses

Hawthorn Hawks fans wave flags during a game
After Hawthorn’s review revealed allegations of racism against First Nations players the AFL established an inquiry which has reached a stalemate. Photograph: Julian Smith/AAP

With the narrative focused on the impact on Clarkson and Fagan, the stories of First Nations families appear all but erased

 

On 4 July 2018, Norm Smith medallist and three-time All-Australian Cyril Rioli announced his retirement from football, effective immediately.

 

Rioli was an adornment to the game. One of a few who possessed the skill and joie de vivre you would pay money to see. At the time, the reporting on the reason for his sudden retirement leant towards his difficult season the year prior, during which his father, Cyril Snr, suffered a heart attack.

 

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