Under-fire AFL club Collingwood has appointed an anti-racism advisory group to assist it in developing a framework for change.

The move was one of key recommendations from the Do Better report, which became public after a leak earlier this month.

Premiership player Heritier Lumumba. has taken legal action against the AFL club after blowing the whistle on what he claimed was racist treatment toward him and others.

The report found the club guilty of “systemic racism” and widespread criticism of Collingwood’s response led to long-time president Eddie McGuire quitting his post last week.

In a statement on Wednesday, Collingwood said the 12-person ‘Expert Group on Anti-Racism’ will advise the club’s board on three key matters:

• The development of an improved framework for responding to incidents of racism
• The creation and implementation of anti-racism policies
• Ways in which the club can learn from its past to lead in the future.

CFC has established an Expert Group on Anti-Racism to assist the club develop a framework for change and ultimately provide community leadership on addressing racism.

More information 👇

— Collingwood FC (@CollingwoodFC) February 17, 2021

Yawuru woman Taryn Lee has been appointed as the strategic adviser to assist with the implementation of all 18 recommendations from the Do Better report.

Ms Lee has worked at executive level in roles with government and the private sector, and is a board member of the Victorian Equal Opportunity and Human Rights Commission.

Eddie McGuire stood down as Collingwood president early last week.

“We need to think differently about how we approach and deal with racism and to ensure that we have the right systems in place to provide a safe cultural environment for all,” Collingwood chief executive Mark Anderson said.

“We have the will to respond to each and every recommendation contained in the Do Better report.

“Taryn’s expertise and background in designing and delivering change will be of enormous assistance to us as we put these responses into place.

“We will be rightfully measured by these actions.”

The advisory group will convene for the first time in March.

It includes former Collingwood player Daniel Wells, AFL inclusion and social policy manager Tanya Hosch and Magpies director Jodie Sizer.

My brother and former teammate @Tonaaayy_ is on point: “The Collingwood Football club can’t be sitting there asking us to pat them on the back…at the moment, really nothing’s changed.” https://t.co/8uGlYAQ6oP

— Héritier Lumumba (@iamlumumba) February 14, 2021

Collingwood hope to ultimately “provide community leadership” on addressing racism.

“The work Collingwood must do is necessary and important,” Sizer said.

“It ought to inspire and add weight to the need for change that has been building in our communities for decades.

“So it was as important to find people who are passionate, capable and willing to help the club meet its moment.”

-AAP