The author of a report accusing the Hawthorn Football Club of racism says he "at all times acted with honesty and integrity" as Victoria Police investigates historical allegations of financial mismanagement at an Aboriginal support organisation in north-west Victoria where he once worked.
Former Richmond footballer Phil Egan has "categorically" denied stealing from the Murray Valley Aboriginal Cooperative (MVAC) following media reports he was involved in an investigation of alleged fraud at the organisation.
And he says the emergence of the allegations, which he describes as "slurs against my name" are attempts to discredit the AFL review.
Victoria Police confirmed detectives from the financial crime squad were investigating an allegation of fraud relating to the management of a Robinvale-based organisation but did not say whether Egan was under investigation.
A police spokesperson said no-one had been charged and the investigation was ongoing.
The ABC understands allegations of financial discrepancies at the organisation were first reported to police in 2018, with an allegation more than $800,000 was missing between 2008 and 2015.
The ABC does not suggest that the allegations are true, simply that they are being investigated.
Mr Egan said he was looking forward to speaking with Victoria Police and responding to all of its questions.
"Regardless of these slurs against my name, I am extremely confident that this dog whistling will in no way diminish or discredit the entirely separate and independent investigation commissioned by the AFL and led by Mr Bernard Quinn, KC, with which I have no involvement," he said.
"To try to dismantle that process by destroying my reputation, I suspect, will be as futile as it is outrageous."
Mr Egan held a number of positions at MVAC between 2010 and 2014.
He said he was considering pursuing a defamation suit against a daily Victorian newspaper for initial reports linking him to the investigation.
"Despite the very historical nature of the alleged wrongdoing and the police investigation having been underway for several months, I have not once been contacted by Victoria Police in relation to the allegations," Mr Egan said.
"As to the Herald Sun itself, I did not receive a fair and proper opportunity to respond to the allegations prior to it being published. I consider the article to be defamatory and I have instructed my lawyers to commence legal proceedings.
"In light of the reported police investigation and pending defamation process I will not be making any further comment at this time."
Hawthorn commissioned a review of how First Nations players were treated at the club, after allegations of mistreatment.
Chief among the allegations was one by a former player who said he was urged by coaches to encourage his partner to terminate a pregnancy for the sake of his career.
The report was handed to Hawthorn in September.
MVAC: 'Business as usual'
MVAC issued a notice to staff this week confirming it was aware of reports of the investigation by Victoria Police.
Chief executive Paul O’Neill told the ABC there were no cultural issues at the organisation.
Mr O’Neill said the organisation reported possible financial discrepancies to police in 2018.
The ABC understands current management is not under investigation.
In a media release, chairman Fred Baxter said the organisation had cooperated with Victoria Police and provided full access to assist with the investigation.
"We won't be making any comment on the legal processes that are now happening — they will run their course," said Mr Baxter.
Mr Baxter said the legal process would have no impact on the board or ongoing operations of the cooperative.
"This is a difficult time for our community, but Murray Valley Aboriginal Corporation is in a strong place and has clear financial and management systems that ensure transparency," he said.
"It is business as usual for us.
"We are going forward as an organisation and we have exciting plans underway that are important not only to our own mob, but for the wider Robinvale community in housing, health and culture."
