Justin Reeves starts with a statement.

"Earlier this year the Hawthorn Football Club external First Nations consultants to liaise with all current and former First Nations players and staff to learn more about their experiences at our club," he said.

"This was always about finding out if anyone required any further support in their life after football.

"This was really important work.

"I read the report like you guys today, and it is tough reading. It is heartbreaking.

"We said in our statement earlier this morning that these allegations are extremely disturbing.

"We are profoundly disappointed that some of our former players and their families feel like this about their experiences at the club.

"The club will continue to offer support to those who have participated in this process and their well-being remains our priority.

"As per the recommendation from the report, the information was provided immediately to the AFL Integrity Unit.

"The AFL have this afternoon announced an external review of which we fully support and will cooperate fully.

" It is entirely appropriate that there is a thorough investigation from this report."