HAWTHORN has been sent photographs taken by The Examiner as it tries to identify the man who racially abused star forward Lance Franklin in Saturday's AFL match in Launceston.
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Will Swan was covering the match for The Examiner and took a series of images - which Hawthorn has requested but The Examiner can't publish for legal reasons - that capture a man wearing a West Coast cap aggressively yelling at Franklin, who turns around in response.
Mr Swan said that the man had attracted his attention because of his "aggressive" behaviour.
It is the clearest picture yet released of the suspect as the AFL investigates an incident in which Franklin said he was called a "black c---" several times.
Several supporters around the alleged culprit appear to be reacting to his behaviour and authorities hope they may be able to help identify him.
He was leaning over the perimeter fence in the forward pocket of Aurora Stadium's Eastern Stand in the final quarter of the match between the Hawks and the West Coast Eagles.
Mr Swan said that from his position in front of the main stand, he could see the man yelling but couldn't hear what he was saying.
"I could see that he was fired up, leaning over the fence having a spray," Mr Swan said.
"It was not just normal barracking. That's why I took the picture. He looked aggressive and was clearly targeting Buddy.
"A few people were staring at him because of the way he was behaving."
Television footage shows the man shouting and Franklin turning to face him before jogging away shaking his head.
Hawthorn has requested and has been sent The Examiner's images because they are much clearer than the television footage.
Hawthorn earlier yesterday confirmed that television footage had been shown to Franklin.
Communications manager Clinton Bown said: "He said he cannot be 100 per cent because there was so much going on, but he clearly turns back and has an exchange with the person, which would seem to indicate he may be responsible."
The Eagles were concerned that the suspect was wearing their merchandise.
"We don't know whether he's a member or supporter or someone who just happens to be wearing a cap for the day," media manager Gary Stocks said. "If the AFL identify him as someone attached to our club, we will react."
Inveresk Precinct Authority chairman Robin McKendrick yesterday urged fans to help clear up the matter. "It would be good to show other people that we will not tolerate that sort of behaviour," he said.
