The lawyer of abuse survivor Adam Kneale believes that the lawsuit facing the Western Bulldogs will not be the last against AFL clubs, as he expects others to join Kneale in taking legal action against historic sexual abuse.
Kneale, 49, is seeking damages against the Western Bulldogs, then Footscray, for the sexual abuse he suffered as a child at Western Oval by former fundraising committee member and 'Jack of all Trades,' Graeme Hobbs, which began in 1984 at the age of 11.
His representative, Michael Magazanik, expects more survivors to take action and that clubs will have to deal with their pasts.
"We know that there were other victims at Footscray and there have been publicised cases of child abusers in senior positions with Little League teams in the 1970s," the lawyer told The Age.
"Multiple clubs will have to face up to their histories as more survivors step forward."
Magazanik said despite Kneale telling his story to police in 1993, which resulted in Hobbs and another main being jailed, he has "lived with the consequences for nearly 40 years".
Hobbs is claimed to have used the facilities at Western Oval, now Whitten Oval, on training nights and match days to sexually abuse a young boy over a period of seven years, as well as on interstate trips, as detailed by ABC investigative journalist, Russell Jackson.
It is further claimed that Hobbs would give money and tickets to young boys who would sit with him in the John Gent Stand at Western Oval.
Magazanik said that Kneale was hopeful his story would give other survivors the courage to tell their own stories and get support from those around them.
"Adam is grateful for the support he has had from family and friends and he hopes his story will give hope to other survivors and encourage them to seek help," Magazanik said.
"Now he's now going to focus on his family, his own mental health, and his legal claim against the Western Bulldogs."
Bulldogs Chief Executive Ameet Bains told ABC last month that the club was "shocked and dismayed" after hearing about Neale's claims and said the club wish to support Neale and his family.
"We applaud Adam's courage to come forward and share the details of his story and we cannot begin to understand the trauma he and his family have been forced to deal with for more than three decades," said Bains.
"We have communicated our wish to meet with Adam and his family to provide any direct support we possibly can, and to personally convey our sorrow over what he has endured.
"The club will seek advice from police and expert agencies to ensure Adam and anyone else who may come forward are appropriately supported."
Support is available from the National Sexual Assault, Domestic Family Violence Counselling Service at 1800RESPECT (1800 737 732).
Kids Helpline 1800 55 1800.
Lifeline on 13 11 14.
Beyond Blue on 1300 224 636.
