Hawthorn football boss Rob McCartney has confirmed the AFL has taken control of the investigation into alleged lewd text messages Jonathon Patton sent.
The key forward was stood down by the club earlier this month after several women came forward and went public with allegations against the 27-year-old.
Patton, who is also receiving medical attention for mental health-related issues, is expected to assist the AFL in their inquiring in the coming months.
McCartney said with the AFL now assuming full control of the investigation, the club was intent on supporting both Patton and the women involved.
“The AFL made the decision early on under their respect and responsibility to take over the investigation of the alleged behaviour,” he said on Sportsday.
“Obviously we stepped aside at that time, it’s a significant process and that’s still going on.
“On the other side we have Jon (Patton) who’s needing some medical attention to look after his wellbeing and he continues to get that and at the point when he’s at a ready to have a conversation with the AFL, that’ll take place and then they’ll make some decisions on what the outcomes are.
“We’ll let the AFL play their part, but what we do know is Jon is a player of ours who needs our support but also those who made the alleged statements who need to be considered and the football club is very mindful of that as well.
“At the moment the AFL is investigating and they’ll make a finding based on those recommendations.”
McCartney took over as Hawthorn’s new GM of Football this year following the resignation of Graham Wright, who left the club to take up a position at Collingwood.