Former Richmond forward Phil Egan, who conducted a report on racism at Hawthorn Football Club, has been charged with over 70 offenses after allegedly stealing from an Indigenous organization. The arrest was made by Victoria Police after an investigation into fraud that occurred between 2010 and 2015.
The charges against Egan include obtaining financial advantage by deception, using false documents, and secret commission. He is scheduled to appear before the Melbourne Magistrates Court on August 11. The investigation is related to the management of a Robinvale-based organization, the Murray Valley Aboriginal Cooperative, which aims to improve the living standards and welfare of Aboriginal people in the area.
Last year, the Herald Sun reported that Egan was under investigation for allegedly fraudulent activities, involving the theft of hundreds of thousands of dollars from the Murray Valley Aboriginal Cooperative. Egan denied these allegations and maintained that he always acted with honesty and integrity in the best interests of the organization.
In addition to his involvement in the fraud investigation, Egan’s bombshell report on racism at Hawthorn Football Club caused significant controversy within the sport. The report, leaked in September of last year, accused Hawthorn personnel, including Alastair Clarkson, Chris Fagan, and Jason Burt, of bullying Indigenous players during their time at the club. The allegations ranged from separating players from their partners to pressuring them to terminate pregnancies for the sake of their careers.
Following the AFL’s investigation into the allegations, no adverse findings were made against the club or the accused individuals. The complainants also agreed to not pursue further investigation by the Independent Panel and resolved their differences with the AFL.
The AFL declined to comment on the recent charges against Phil Egan.