No animosity as Fagan prepares to face Hawks

Chris Fagan hasn’t spoken to Cyril Rioli for 4 years however maintains he had the “better of friendships” with the Hawthorn star whereas on the AFL membership.

And the Brisbane Lions coach says he harbours no animosity in the direction of the Hawks forward of Saturday’s conflict that follows the closure of the AFL’s investigation into racism throughout his time there.

4-time Hawks premiership participant Rioli is amongst six Hawthorn-linked complainants pledging to take their grievances to the Human Rights Fee.

Rioli, his spouse Shannyn Ah Sam-Rioli, ex-Hawthorn gamers Carl Peterson, Jermaine Miller-Lewis and his accomplice Montanah Miller-Lewis, and the membership’s former Indigenous supervisor Leon Egan have publicly recognized themselves as a part of the racism saga.

At the very least three different individuals who have made complaints in the course of the investigation stay nameless and are represented by different legislation companies.

By means of an impartial panel, the AFL concluded there have been no opposed findings towards former coach Alastair Clarkson, soccer boss Chris Fagan or welfare supervisor Jason Burt throughout their time at Hawthorn.

Fagan and Burt launched scathing statements following final week’s announcement, which centered on a interval between 2008 and 2016.

Brisbane’s first recreation since then can be towards Hawthorn on the MCG on Saturday.

On Thursday Fagan reduce a relaxed determine although, asserting there was no ill-will in the direction of his previous membership, or Rioli.

“I truly cherished my time on the Hawthorn Soccer Membership,” Fagan mentioned.

“I had 10 nice years there, very profitable years, tons and many friendships.

“I have never spoken to Cyril since most likely 2019, earlier than the Large Freeze.

“I bought Cyril to come back … as a result of we had an incredible friendship and that is all I can say with reference to Cyril, we had the perfect of friendships when he was there.

“You’d should ask him; it isn’t strained from my perspective as a result of the one interactions I’ve ever had with him have been constructive.”

He mentioned his solely frustration was that he wasn’t consulted earlier than the membership’s preliminary investigation into claims of racism.

“That does not appear fairly proper, not speaking to the folks concerned,” he mentioned.

Fagan insists the AFL’s decision sits comfortably with him and, whereas he waits for the complainants’ subsequent transfer, will not pursue authorized motion of his personal.

“I nonetheless cannot and nonetheless will not, as a result of there is likely to be extra to come back,” he mentioned of his resolution to not publicly inform his model of occasions.

“We’ll wait and see.

“I am completely satisfied sufficient to enter any discussion board and discuss something, to be sincere.”

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