The racism saga involving Hawthorn and its former players is over after the Federal Court case was settled.
In a joint statement featuring all the parties, the Hawks apologised for their actions in not supporting anyone who had 'experienced ongoing hurt and distress' while at the club.
The statement of claim in the Federal Court was led by Cyril Rioli, his wife Shannyn Ah Sam-Rioli, Carl Peterson, Jermaine Lewis-Miller, his partner Montanah-Rae Lewis and Hawks former Indigenous liason officer Leon Egan.
The joint statement read: "Hawthorn accepts that the allegations were made in good faith, and has heard, respects, and accepts that they represent their truths.
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"Hawthorn is sorry and apologises that the former players, partners, and their families, in either pursuing a football career, or in supporting such a person, experienced ongoing hurt and distress in their time at the club.
"Hawthorn remains committed to providing a safe environment for First Nations peoples and the elimination of all forms of racial discrimination.
"No person should suffer to pursue a career in football. By the former players, partners, and their families sharing their truths and raising their allegations, this has provided valuable learnings for the club and has greatly assisted the club in improving its processes, education and the care it provides to each First Nations player and their support persons.
"The club thanks the former players, partners, and their families for their courage in providing this guidance.
"Hawthorn continues to learn from the experiences of the former players, partners, and their families and all people involved with the club.
"The fact the former players, partners and their families feel the way they do about their time at Hawthorn will continue to guide how the club interacts with and supports First Nations peoples moving forward.
"Hawthorn is committed to working with, and welcoming back, the former players, partners, and their families in the hope that they will feel able to return to the Hawthorn Football Club."
