Goyder told the traditional North Melbourne grand final breakfast on Saturday that the allegationsfirst published by the ABC on Wednesday were harrowing and distressing. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese acknowledged it had been “a difficult week for the AFL” during his speech at the event.

Goyder,speaking publicly for the first time since the allegationswere raised on Wednesday,said the wider AFL community needed to ensure it was a “non-negotiable” that all involved with the sport were treated fairly.

“It takes immense courage telling the story and sharing your experiences and the enormous hurt,anger and sadness you’re feeling,” Goyder said.

“The AFL Commission acknowledges your hurt and our commitment is to provide whatever care we can,while ensuring the work of the panel appointed to investigate provides the most just outcome for all parties concerned.

“One of the strongest elements of football is that the footy family comes together so strongly and effectively when any of us face major challenges or are confronted by tragedy. It’s critical that the best of our footy family come together at this time together to address the environment and improve every part of our game.

“We must ensure that everyone is truly welcomed and truly safe in our game. That is non-negotiable. That is our commitment to those in our game and those who love our game.”

At the same event,departing AFL CEO Gillon McLachlan said it was a matter for Goyder to decide whether he would be involved in the investigation into the Hawthorn allegations.

“That obviously has to be sorted for both the complainants and those accused. That will be done,” he said.

Asked if he would stick around for thepotentially months-long investigation,McLachlan said:“That’s a decision for Richard. I will say that it is incredibly important that gets resolved.”

Albanese,in a wide-ranging speech at the grand final breakfast that also referenced the government’s plan tohold a referendum to establish an Indigenous Voice to Parliament,said discrimination had no place in Australia and that he expected the AFL to conduct a transparent investigation into the allegations.

“We know that discrimination has no part in our game,just as discrimination has no part in our country. And I know that the AFL and everyone who loves footy will be doing their best to deal with these issues openly and transparently,as must occur,” Albanese said.

At a separate luncheon later on grand final day,McLachlan said the Hawthorn allegations were testing the league.

“We’ve experienced many tests in the last few years and we are being tested,frankly,right now. But we will find a way. Footy always finds a way,” he said.

“We’ll find a safe environment for Hawthorn people to tell their stories. And we will have due process. And I feel confident that there is trust in the room,and we’ll get to the bottom of it.”

Hawthorn and Port Adelaide great Shaun Burgoyne also told Channel Seven’s pre-game show that he and other teammates who were at the club at the time remained in “a state of shock” following the allegations.

He said he had spoken to McLachlan about the AFL’s independent investigation and expected the process to take six to eight weeks.

“My phone has been ringing off the hook these last fews days as well because everyone wants to find out what’s gone on,including myself,” Burgoyne said.

“That may sound silly,but no player or no staff member had heard of this before. So,I’m in shock and I feel for the players and their families who have made these allegations as well because they’ve been holding on to this for a long time as well.”

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