Goodes

[AnnaKE]

Thank god for this thread. Reading comments on any Goodes related Facebook, newspaper or Twitter posts today have left me even more depressed and bewildered about the future of this country.

Like others have mentioned previously, the way Goodes has been treated the last couple of years, and the behaviour of the Hawks fans at the GF last year, has really put a dampener on my love of the game. I used to be so proud to espouse the virtues of AFL over other football codes, I was an AFL evangelist. I've kept my mouth shut this year. Why would I want to promote a sport where "it's my right to boo", "it's not racial, I boo him because he's a flog" (whatever that word means). What a disgrace.

To my hero, Adam Goodes, you have opened my eyes to many issues this year which I hadn't considered before. Thank you. On and off the field you continue to inspire and delight. I hope your retirement from the game can be a starting point for something even greater, both for you and, ultimately, for Australia.

[mcs]

Recommended reading: Stan Grant's article today Adam Goodes showed us the festering sores of Australia's history can rip open at any moment | Stan Grant | Sport | The Guardian

Another great article from Stan (I find it hard to believe he once hosted Today Tonight) - but some of the comments from an intolerant few in the comments section show how far we have to go as a nation in regards to racism. Especially those from one person who seems to think it is up to him to define when something is racist or not (Why can't these fools get it through their head that is doesn't matter what they think in that sense unless the racism is aimed at them) and what the view of aboriginals is, despite clearly being a white Australian.

A long, long way to go - and hopefully Goodesy can keep up the good work of keeping this issue on the agenda in Australian life. We aren't going to solve it by pretending its not a problem.

[stevoswan]

Thank god for this thread. Reading comments on any Goodes related Facebook, newspaper or Twitter posts today have left me even more depressed and bewildered about the future of this country.

Like others have mentioned previously, the way Goodes has been treated the last couple of years, and the behaviour of the Hawks fans at the GF last year, has really put a dampener on my love of the game. I used to be so proud to espouse the virtues of AFL over other football codes, I was an AFL evangelist. I've kept my mouth shut this year. Why would I want to promote a sport where "it's my right to boo", "it's not racial, I boo him because he's a flog" (whatever that word means). What a disgrace.

To my hero, Adam Goodes, you have opened my eyes to many issues this year which I hadn't considered before. Thank you. On and off the field you continue to inspire and delight. I hope your retirement from the game can be a starting point for something even greater, both for you and, ultimately, for Australia.

This is the point I have really got out of this whole saga. I have never considered myself a racist (and still don't think I have ever been one), had always seen Australia as an inclusive country, and had defended my country against accusations of racism in the past, but at some point during defending Adam and indigenous issues on another sports related forum, I had a frankly tearful revelation that I, for most of my life, have been a casual racist. I have laughed at jokes about 'Abo's", blamed them for wasting welfare, downplayed white peoples role in indigenous history, and suggested indigenous players just move on after on field vilification ie; toughen up etc. While most of this happened earlier in my life and as I've matured I have definitely become broader in my views, some attitudes have lightly remained. WELL, NO MORE!! I have learned so much more about indigenous history and ongoing issues thanks to Adam Goodes. His Australia Day speech made me seek information, and I became enlightened to the truth. This seasons developments have just solidified my desire for true reconciliation and genuine discussion and recognition of said issues that leads to a positive future for all. As someone previously said, "Adam Goodes, you have made me a better man"........and I am indebted to you. That should be enough, but on top of that, your glorious footy career was an incredible bonus gift to us all that we will treasure forever. THANK YOU.......

[AnnaKE]

Spot on. Exactly my sentiments. It has been humbling. He truly did shine a mirror to whit Australia and what looked back isn't something I'm proud of. Onwards and upwards.

[goswannies]

I don't know if the Swans players ever read, or are even aware of RWO.
If they (ie Goodsey) don't, it's such a shame, as there have been some lovely messages & sentiments expressed in this thread, & it's clear that opinions & perceptions have been changed as a direct result of Adam's approach to the game and life.
On the assumption that Adam might not ever see how he has positively affected & influenced his fans; how much he means to us; how much we will miss him; it would be wonderful if, once this thread has run its course, it could be closed by the Mods, the replies here be printed & bound into a hard cover book (maybe with some pics of him) and sent to him so that one day, when the time is right for him, he can relax back, read our fond thoughts of our beloved champion, and know that he has made a positive & unforgettable difference to so many.

[aguy]

That's a good idea. The club definitely know about the rwo community especially after the number 37 t shirts for the Adelaide game.

[dejavoodoo44]

This is the point I have really got out of this whole saga. I have never considered myself a racist (and still don't think I have ever been one), had always seen Australia as an inclusive country, and had defended my country against accusations of racism in the past, but at some point during defending Adam and indigenous issues on another sports related forum, I had a frankly tearful revelation that I, for most of my life, have been a casual racist. I have laughed at jokes about 'Abo's", blamed them for wasting welfare, downplayed white peoples role in indigenous history, and suggested indigenous players just move on after on field vilification ie; toughen up etc. While most of this happened earlier in my life and as I've matured I have definitely become broader in my views, some attitudes have lightly remained. WELL, NO MORE!! I have learned so much more about indigenous history and ongoing issues thanks to Adam Goodes. His Australia Day speech made me seek information, and I became enlightened to the truth. This seasons developments have just solidified my desire for true reconciliation and genuine discussion and recognition of said issues that leads to a positive future for all. As someone previously said, "Adam Goodes, you have made me a better man"........and I am indebted to you. That should be enough, but on top of that, your glorious footy career was an incredible bonus gift to us all that we will treasure forever. THANK YOU.......

Well said, Stevo, and I certainly enjoyed having an ally on another sports related site.
As far as good things coming out of this, one fairly obscure good thing, is the fact that a few more people may realise the damage that is done to Australian society, by the privileged and powerful professional media bigots: Jones, Bolt, etc, etc.

[stevoswan]

Well said, Stevo, and I certainly enjoyed having an ally on another sports related site.
As far as good things coming out of this, one fairly obscure good thing, is the fact that a few more people may realise the damage that is done to Australian society, by the privileged and powerful professional media bigots: Jones, Bolt, etc, etc.

And allies we shall remain, dejavoodoo. ........In Goodes We Trust! Go Swans!

[AnnieH]

This is the point I have really got out of this whole saga. I have never considered myself a racist (and still don't think I have ever been one), had always seen Australia as an inclusive country, and had defended my country against accusations of racism in the past, but at some point during defending Adam and indigenous issues on another sports related forum, I had a frankly tearful revelation that I, for most of my life, have been a casual racist. I have laughed at jokes about 'Abo's", blamed them for wasting welfare, downplayed white peoples role in indigenous history, and suggested indigenous players just move on after on field vilification ie; toughen up etc. While most of this happened earlier in my life and as I've matured I have definitely become broader in my views, some attitudes have lightly remained. WELL, NO MORE!! I have learned so much more about indigenous history and ongoing issues thanks to Adam Goodes. His Australia Day speech made me seek information, and I became enlightened to the truth. This seasons developments have just solidified my desire for true reconciliation and genuine discussion and recognition of said issues that leads to a positive future for all. As someone previously said, "Adam Goodes, you have made me a better man"........and I am indebted to you. That should be enough, but on top of that, your glorious footy career was an incredible bonus gift to us all that we will treasure forever. THANK YOU.......

I swear to god I'm crying.
Beautiful.
Google the dreaming stories... they make so much SENSE.

[southsideswan]

I have been thinking about what happens in say 6 months time when we get to really celebrate Adams achievement and for us to show our respect for what he has done.

If there is to be an award, a Adam Goodes Medal or whatever I'm sort of hoping it is not tied to indigenous players. His contribution was much wider then that and should be always remembered that way.

[swannymum]

Just read yet another article about this today and found an apt term for the redneck booers. They are called 'boogans'. Adam Goodes: no fanfare, not enough fair fans

[KTigers]

Yes, they do. Andrew Ireland set me a letter saying thanks from him and the club for the gesture with the "37" T-Shirts. They genuinely appreciated it, and all
the many other forms of support for Adam from members at the time.

That's a good idea. The club definitely know about the rwo community especially after the number 37 t shirts for the Adelaide game.

[The Big Cat]

I have been thinking about what happens in say 6 months time when we get to really celebrate Adams achievement and for us to show our respect for what he has done.

If there is to be an award, a Adam Goodes Medal or whatever I'm sort of hoping it is not tied to indigenous players. His contribution was much wider then that and should be always remembered that way.

Last night Gerard Healy said the SCG Trust is considering naming a stand after an AFL player. Healy suggested no better candidate than Adam Goodes

[AnnieH]

Last night Gerard Healy said the SCG Trust is considering naming a stand after an AFL player. Healy suggested no better candidate than Adam Goodes

Don't hold your breath waiting for that to happen.
Alan Jones sits on the SCG Trust.
It'll be over his dead body...

Maybe a bronze statue?
Far more deserved (IMO) than Kels.
(Not that we should move Kels, maybe just put Goodesy on the other side of him.)

[stevoswan]

Last night Gerard Healy said the SCG Trust is considering naming a stand after an AFL player. Healy suggested no better candidate than Adam Goodes

Fantastic idea, would be entirely appropriate and deserved. Make it happen Swans!!

Don't hold your breath waiting for that to happen.
Alan Jones sits on the SCG Trust.
It'll be over his dead body...

Maybe a bronze statue?
Far more deserved (IMO) than Kels.
(Not that we should move Kels, maybe just put Goodesy on the other side of him.)

Then it is time for good people to put bad people in their rightful place.....