You don't have to be cynical yourself to see the cynical tactics deployed by Clarkson, Fagan and Burt throughout the process. These people have agency and have had plenty of opportunities to "tell their sides of the story" without prejudice, via the AFL investigation or outside of it.

Stonewalling by seeking documents that would compromise those who responded to the Hawthorn enquiry, and using that as an excuse not to participate is disingenuous even if it is in line with legal advice received. Again, Clarkson, Fagan and Burt have ample avenues to refute or respond to the complaints listed publicly - but they choose not to. There's nothing valiant in their stance, they aren't persecuted, and they aren't leaders.