Chris Fagan has released a new statement on the allegations of First Nation's mistreatment at Hawthorn.
Working as an assistant coach during the alleged period, Fagan and then head coach Alistair Clarkson are said to have been involved in restricting First Nations players from engaging with their partners, and even suggesting a player's partner should terminate their pregnancy.
Fagan, on an indefinite leave of absence from the Lions as the AFL investigates the racism allegations, has once again denied the claims in a statement released on Tuesday.
"I have retained Clayton Utz lawyers together with barristers Liam Kelly KC and David Turner to act on my behalf in relation to the proposed forthcoming investigation by the AFL," Fagan wrote.
"I confirm, as I said in my earlier statement, that I deny, categorically, the allegations of wrongdoing by me in relation to First Nations players at the Hawthorn Football Club, and that I intend to defend myself.
"I also confirm my intention to participate fully in any investigative process, provided that it is independent, fair and impartial, and respects my right to be heard.
"I await further information from the AFL."
Earlier on Tuesday, Lions skipper Dayne Zorko appeared on SEN, saying that Fagan had the "full support" of those at the club.
“Obviously, I agree with the club's statement 100 per cent,” Zorko said.
“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.”
The AFL is in the process of constructing an impartial four-person panel to investigate the claims made by a reported five First Nations families.