Hawthorn president Andrew Gowers has committed to repairing the damaged relationships that were damaged during the racism scandal.

Aired in 2022 by a host of former Indigenous players and their partners, including four-time premiership player Cyril Rioli, there were allegations that Alastair Clarkson, Chris Fagan and Jason Burt engaged in racist conduct.

Following failed mediations and ongoing settlement talks, the case looked all but set for the courts until last week, when it was reported that the two parties had reached an agreement.

Clarkson, Fagan and Burt have repeatedly denied wrongdoing.

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - MAY 19: Hawks coach Alastair Clarkson and Chris Fagan, General Manager - Football Operations arrive during a Hawthorn Hawks AFL training session at Waverley Park on May 19, 2016 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Robert Cianflone/Getty Images)

The Hawks apologised and implemented multiple mechanisms to assist in ensuring the safety and well-being of other Indigenous players.

The statement specified the settlement was reached "without determination of any parties' allegations".

Gowers said he was hoping that the relationships between all involved parties could be repaired.

"I think the human side of it is where it starts," Gowers said.

"And one of the keys, without talking out of school, is that we focused on what unites us and what we really wanted to do, and the last thing that I wanted, and the last thing that our club wanted was to get to a resolution that didn't involve repairing those relationships.

"So I remain very hopeful that that will happen... the last thing we wanted was a resolution that didn't involve repairing relationships. That's critical."

Gowers and the club are open to all avenues of resolution, turning over every stone to ensure a positive move forward.

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - FEBRUARY 26: Cyril Rioli of the Hawks looks on during the AFL 2017 JLT Community Series match between the North Melbourne Kangaroos and the Hawthorn Hawks at Arden Street Oval on February 26, 2017 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Adam Trafford/AFL Media/Getty Images)

"We're talking about Hawthorn people, some of whom have felt not great about their time or a period of time with their association here," Gowers continued.

"And we're doing everything that we can to repair those relationships and let people heal.

"Because that's been, for me, the biggest thing about this matter has been the hurt that people have experienced.

"So we're doing our best to try and fix that, try and mend those bridges, let people heal, get on with their lives and walk forward, walk together. That's what it's all about."