AFL players show their support for Adam Goodes after the airing of powerful documentary

AFL players and clubs have united in support of Adam Goodes after the airing of The Final Quarter. And after their prominent roles, Eddie McGuire and Sam Newman have responded to the documentary.

Collingwood president Eddie McGuire has described the Adam Goodes documentary as “very confronting” and “heartbreaking”.

Meanwhile, former Footy Show host Sam Newman has responded with a swipe at Channel 10.

AFL players and clubs united to express their support for Goodes after the airing of a documentary on Thursday night detailing the constant booing which drove him out of the game.

McGuire features in The Final Quarter after his infamous King Kong gaffe, telling his Triple M morning program watching the documentary had been a chastening experience.

“It’s very confronting and it’s heartbreaking to be involved in it in a negative way,” he said.

“I encourage people to watch this documentary. What you have to do in these situations is you have to front up to things. It’s an eye-opener. And if that’s the bottom line, it’s been a worthwhile exercise.,” McGuire told Triple M.

Eddie McGuire says the Adam Goodes documentary was heartbreaking to watch.

Encouraging everyone to watch the documentary, McGuire said there were plans to screen it at his son’s school, where he will conduct a Q&A session.

“I hope it gives us an opportunity to, if it’s applicable to Adam, to get Adam back into the game,” he said.

“I really want to open up and talk about things and be open to a solution. We want people to understand … and look after Indigenous footballers.”

Newman featured prominently throughout the documentary, with clips shown of his comments on Goodes from the Footy Show.

He took to Twitter on Friday morning, saying he wanted to be part of Channel 10’s discussion panel, which also aired Thursday night, but wasn’t allowed.

Heartfelt thanks for enlightening comments by my fellow Australians on Goodes doco. Would love to have been part of conversation, but wasn’t allowed. Glad I could help 10’s flagging ratings. Keep comments coming, please. #channel10 #AdamGoodes 🇦🇺🇦🇺

— Sam Newman (@Origsmartassam) July 19, 2019

AFL boss Gillon McLachlan said today he hoped the documentary would lead to ongoing discussion about the issues around race in footy and the country.

“If you come through that and if you don’t feel that — not everyone, but part of that issue was around race, then you’re not seeing it clearly,” he said on 3AW.

The AFL was criticised for the long delay in backing Goodes and McLachlan said today it was a “really, really difficult” issue to manage with so many heated opinions.

“Our priority was Adam .. the learning I have is that you can’t nuance these things sometimes, sometimes you try to get an outcome and you’re managing lots of different views it gets to the point where you’ve just got to call it.”

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In the moments before The Final Quarter began on Channel 10, the Sydney Swans took to social media, asking their fans to “show your support for Goodesy” by posting an image which read, “We stand with Adam”.

It was accompanied by a hashtag — “#westandwithAdam” which was quickly trending across Twitter.

Throughout the night, a number of AFL players took to social media to show their support for Goodes.

Hawthorn star Chad Wingard posted a powerful tribute to Goodes on Instagram.

“For those who made the effort to watch the documentary tonight, thank you,” he wrote.

“Education and understanding is the only way forward. I hope the conversations tonight between family and friends will drive a positive change to the future.

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“I really hope that everyone can relate to the story in one way or another. Whether witnessing bullying or not feeling safe in your own skin. As sad of an ending to his career (as) it was, the positivity and confidence he has given to the present/future aboriginal players and multicultural players to express themselves and not be afraid but proud of their culture will live on in his legacy.

“Let’s continue to have these conversations and continue to learn, listen and educate one another. Racism is never okay no matter what culture or race. Every day we are taking steps towards a nation that everyone feels a part of.”

GWS co-captain Phil Davis wrote:

What an amazing and powerful story! Adam is an amazing role model and leader!! #TheFinalQuarterFilm

— Phil Davis (@phildavis_1) July 18, 2019

His teammate Dylan Buckley wrote:

Adam Goodes Film is such an eye opener.. shows that we all need to be educated on indigenous culture and it should start in our schooling from a young age! #TheFinalQuarterFilm #RacismStopsWithMe

— Dylan Buckley (@dylan_buckley) July 18, 2019

One of the most talked about subjects in the documentary surrounded Goodes’ war dance after he kicked a goal against Carlton during a match in 2015.

At the time, Brisbane player Mitch Robinson wrote on social media: “Loved (Adam Goodes’) celebration. Fitting for Indigenous Round, obviously a proud Aboriginal man.”

He returned during Thursday night’s showing with a strong message of support. “Loved it then, and still love it.”

Loved it then, and still love it. #WeStandwithAdam pic.twitter.com/RSXvj9H965

— Mitch Robinson (@MitchRobinson05) July 18, 2019

Hawthorn premiership player Xavier Ellis wrote:

Gee I hope Adam Goodes isn’t lost to the game forever. #TheFinalQuarterFilm

— Xavier Ellis (@XaviEllis18) July 18, 2019

On the day The Final Quarter premiered, the AFL published a formal apology to Goodes over its handling of the booing saga.

Speaking on Channel 10 on Thursday night, AFL general manager of inclusion and social policy Tanya Hosch was asked exactly how the league let down the two-time Brownlow Medallist.

As you watch #TheFinalQuarter please show your support for Goodesy with posting this image with #WeStandWithAdam.

Let’s use social media to spread ❤️ pic.twitter.com/w0b6RVPkAP

— Sydney Swans (@sydneyswans) July 18, 2019

“I think taking too much time to determine how to respond,” she said.

“I feel like the AFL probably got stuck where a lot of Australia got stuck which was having a conversation and getting bogged down into a debate about whether the booing was racist or not rather than addressing something that was clearly racially motivated.”

Hosch, who didn’t work for the AFL during the Goodes saga, said the league now had to ensure no other player is ever subjected to the same treatment.

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“Certainly it is my belief that we will do better going forward. The biggest loss would be if we didn’t learn from the mistakes.”

Originally published as AFL players show their support for Adam Goodes after the airing of powerful documentary