RICHMOND will wear its Dreamtime footy jumper on Friday night against Hawthorn in support of Adam Goodes, who has taken the drastic step of taking leave from the game.
The Sydney Swans on Wednesday announced their dual Brownlow medallist would not play against Adelaide this weekend and would return to the club “whenever he is ready’’.
The Swans are unsure if Goodes will play again. A source close to Goodes told the Herald Sun last night: “He really isn’t in a good headspace.’’
As the national storm surrounding the booing of Goodes deepened, it’s been revealed the champion’s concerns focus on his family and the impact the furore is having on his club. GOODES ON ‘EXTENDED LEAVE’, WILL NOT PLAY ANDREW BOLT: THIS DIVISION WILL MAKE US ENEMIES
Swans boss Andrew Ireland said the furore had taken its toll on Goodes.
“We are working with Adam and those close to him and supporting him through what is a really difficult time,” he said.
Tigers Shane Edwards and Ivan Maric in the Dreamtime guernsey. Picture: Wayne Ludbey
“Adam is sick and tired of this behaviour ... it has been happening for too long and it has taken its toll. We will give Adam all the time he needs (and) we will keep supporting him, and he will return to the club whenever he is ready,’’ said Ireland.
Goodes has received vocal support from rival clubs, the AFL and the AFL Players’ Association, but Richmond will be the first club to make a match-day show of support. HUGE RADIO SPAT OVER GOODES OPINION: THE GOODES, THE BAD AND THE UGLY
“We simply weren’t prepared to be a bystander on this issue and Friday night allows us to ensure that isn’t the case,” Tigers chief executive Brendon Gale said.
“We would also encourage our fans to wear their Dreamtime guernseys as a show of support.”
The Tigers were given the green light by the AFL to wear the Dreamtime jumper in support of Goodes and the broader indigenous community. AFL players rally behind Adam Goodes
Gale said: “This club values diversity and we want to support Adam, who has been a wonderful ambassador for our game and his people.
“More broadly, our game has done a lot to build understanding and respect, and it is important we take a stand when we think that is at risk of being eroded.
“Our leadership group felt strongly enough about it to wear the Dreamtime jumper on Friday night.”
Tigers coach Damien Hardwick said the broad football community had become tired of the treatment of Goodes.
“I played against him and I have coached against him, and he has given our game extraordinary service,” Hardwick said.
“We have all had enough and I’m pleased our club will make an important statement on Friday night.”
AFLPA boss Paul March said on Wednesday he wouldn’t be shocked if Goodes did retire.
Sydney Swans star Adam Goodes on Wednesday. Picture: Sam Ruttyn
“We haven’t gotten into that detail ... right now we’re very focused on trying to stop this from continuing. But if it does continue, then I don’t think you could blame Adam if it got to that (retirement).”
Marsh said player delegates on Tuesday had discussed taking a powerful stance but a walk-off if the booing persisted was not raised.
If Goodes returns next week he will be available for selection against Geelong.
The Herald Sun revealed Cats players would consider shaking Goodes’ hand en masse before the game if he plays.
Cats coach Chris Scott said any fans that booed Goodes at Geelong would be showing they were bigots.
“The reality is now, whether we like it or not, booing indigenous players, and specifically Adam Goodes, has a racist overtone so on that basis it should stop,” Scott said.
“Adam has come out and said it is affecting him and he considers it has a racist element to it ... Y ou wouldn’t be doing it (booing) unless you want to confirm to the whole world that you are a bigot.” [email protected]
