With Clark determined that the matter be closed, not even Geelong is fully aware of what took place during the game. Hocking, who contacted the AFL Players Association on Thursday regarding the issue, remains in the dark regarding what was actually said to Clark and no umpire or other Geelong player heard the alleged comments.

AFL football operations chief Mark Evans on Friday instructed the two clubs involved to investigate what actually took place. After a conversation with Hocking, Hawthorn's head of football Chris Fagan interviewed Lake, who vehemently denied the suggestion he had vilified his opponent, adding he had not said anything that could have been misconstrued.

The two players wrestled each other in the final quarter in an incident that was later dismissed by the match review panel. Fagan also interviewed James Frawley, who played on his former teammate for most of the game. Frawley was also insistent that nothing untoward regarding Clark's illness was said.

Hawthorn football staff also watched recordings of the entire game studying every incident involving Clark. While several other senior Hawks were the subject of speculation regarding the alleged sledge on Friday, none came forward after being spoken to as a group by Fagan on the subject of vilification.

With Clark adamant he does not want to pursue the matter, Geelong boss Brian Cook confirmed his club would not be making an official complaint. Hawthorn CEO Stuart Fox said his club had been unable to shed any further light on the allegations.