Brisbane captain Dayne Zorko has reiterated his club’s stance that the Lions stand firmly behind Chris Fagan in the wake of racism allegations.
An ABC report last week levelled stunning accusations at both Fagan and new North Melbourne coach Alastair Clarkson from the time the pair worked at Hawthorn together.
Both were stood down by their respective clubs in the hours after the news broke, but Brisbane moved to stand by Fagan on Sunday.
“We stand by Chris as he commits himself to be part of the AFL investigation, which gives him procedural fairness, into allegations concerning historical events at the Hawthorn Football Club, where he was a former employee,” Lions chairperson Andrew Wellington said in a statement.
“Chris has categorically denied any wrongdoing. It has been a distressing and difficult week for Chris, his wife Ursula, and his family, as it has for many, and we strongly support his right to a fair, impartial, and independent investigative process.”
It’s understood Fagan will miss Brisbane’s best and fairest count given his leave of absence.
Zorko, speaking on SENQ’s Pat and Heals, agreed that Fagan has been a key driver in Brisbane’s culture as a “family club”.
Fagan arrived at the Lions ahead of the 2017 season and has overseen a period of consistent success.
“Obviously I agree with the club's statement 100 per cent,” Zorko began.
“We’ll obviously wrap our arms around Fages and all the indigenous boys as well, we’re a really big family club and that’s something we’ve preached ever since Fages got to the club.
“He’s been a key force and driver in all of that. I can’t really comment on that too much but all I can say is we’ve wrapped our arms around everyone and got the full support of everyone at the club.
“We’ll let the process run its course and hopefully it’s all over and done with soon enough and Fages can come back and assume his role at the club.”
Fagan also released a statement on Tuesday morning announcing he has retained Clayton Utz lawyers with barristers Liam Kelly KC and David Turner to act on his behalf in the AFL's investigation.
The AFL is yet to announce the four-person panel that will investigate the claims laid out in the report, with the general consensus being the process will take months to complete and could drag into 2023.