Sponsors of Fremantle Dockers ask for explanation amid sexual harassment claim

A second complaint has been received by Fremantle since the sexual harassment controversy linked to coach Ross Lyon with sponsors calling on the club to publicly explain practices and culture within the organisation.

In a joint statement to the ABC, sponsors Woodside and Programmed said they had an expectation that the Dockers would “demonstrate respect and transparency for staff, players, members and the public”.

“We do believe that the Fremantle Dockers have a responsibility to explain publicly what learnings and organisational improvements have been made to the club’s practices and culture in the past four years,” the companies said.

In an interview yesterday, Fremantle president Dale Alcock has stated he is working with the AFL’s Integrity Services Unit.

“We will cooperate fully with any investigation that is undertaken as part of this process.”

“Should anyone have an issue with any employee at our club, we will direct them to contact the AFL Integrity Services Unit,” he said.

Woodside and Programmed, which have been major sponsors of the club since 2009, said they had been assured by the club that the original sexual harassment incident was dealt with appropriately at the time and that this has been confirmed to them by the AFL.