A Hawthorn assistant coach is understood to have supported some of the allegations made by former First Nations players that detailed disturbing stories of racism from key figures of the club.
Anย ABCย report released on Wednesday revealed the allegations involving former senior coach Alastair Clarkson and ex-football boss and current Brisbane coach Chris Fagan.
Both Clarkson, who was recently appointed as North Melbourne's new coach, and Fagan have denied any wrongdoing after learning of the allegations and of the separate report from Hawthorn.
The former Hawks key figures have stood aside from their current respective duties to assist the AFL's investigation into the allegations, while AFL commissioner and former Hawthorn president Andrew Newbold and ex-Hawthorn development manager Jason Burt have also taken leave from their current positions.
According to a report from The Herald Sun,ย a Hawthorn assistant coach has corroborated some elements of the allegations.
It is not suggested the support of the allegations proves them to be true.
The numerous allegations come from the families of four unnamed Hawthorn players, which include staff allegedly pressuring one player to have their partner terminate their pregnancy.
News Corp's report has also revealed that lawyer Leon Zwier from Arnold Bloch Leibler will represent the families.
Zwier represented Collingwood in its Do Better report.
The AFL's investigation will be led by an independent panel that is yet to be confirmed by the league.
