The court is hearing a class action lawsuit involving several AFL clubs and former Indigenous players. Some clubs are considering seeking to be removed from the case, especially those who did not exist at the time of the alleged incidents. The Krakouer brothers are at the center of the allegations, but it has been suggested that more Indigenous players from the league’s recent past could also join the case. There are concerns about the management of the case and whether it should remain as a class action.
Justice Andrew Keogh expressed concern about the potential addition of clubs to the case, fearing that the proceeding could become unmanageable. The AFL’s lawyer, Mark Costello, KC, highlighted problems with how the case has been articulated, including the possibility of some clubs seeking to be removed. Costello emphasized that there are significant difficulties in the pleading against his client and raised concerns about serious allegations being made against non-parties with scant evidence. The class action is open to over 1000 former VFL/AFL Indigenous players and their families.
The AFL is expected to serve the plaintiffs with a document outlining their concerns with how the case has been presented. The league’s legal team will address various issues raised in the case, including the allegations against non-parties and the inconsistencies in the pleading against certain clubs. The court will need to carefully consider how to proceed with the case and whether all the potential defendants should remain involved. The complexity of the case and the number of parties involved may require a thorough examination before moving forward.
The case has brought attention to the treatment of Indigenous players in the AFL and raised questions about the legal process to address any wrongdoing. The potential addition of more recent Indigenous players to the class action highlights the ongoing concerns within the league regarding the treatment of its Indigenous athletes. The court will need to ensure that the case is managed effectively to provide a fair outcome for all parties involved. The concerns raised by the AFL’s legal team will need to be addressed before the case can proceed further.
It is essential that the legal process is followed carefully to ensure justice is served in this complex case involving multiple parties and allegations. The court’s decision on how to manage the case and whether to include all the potential defendants will have significant implications for the outcome of the class action. The issues raised by the AFL’s lawyer and the concerns about the pleading against certain clubs must be carefully considered before moving forward with the case. The court will need to assess the evidence presented and determine the best course of action to address the allegations appropriately.
The class action lawsuit involving former Indigenous AFL players and multiple clubs highlights the need for a fair and thorough legal process to address any wrongdoing. The court’s decision on how to manage the case and the potential inclusion of more recent Indigenous players will be crucial in determining the outcome of the lawsuit. The concerns raised by the AFL’s legal team regarding the pleading and allegations against certain clubs must be carefully evaluated to ensure a just resolution for all parties involved. The court will need to navigate the complexities of the case to ensure a fair and impartial outcome.
