AFL, indigenous players back Adam Goodes over war dance but fans split

ADAM Goodes’ controversial war dance has been backed by indigenous players and the AFL, but wider opinion remains divided.

• Andrew Bolt: ‘Victim’ Adam Goodes just crying wolf
• Jason Mifsud: War dance can become part of game
• MPs throw support behind Goodes

ADAM Goodes’ controversial war dance has been backed by indigenous players and the AFL but wider opinion remains divided.

AFL chief Gillon McLachlan finally moved to give his full support to the former Australian of the Year yesterday as an online poll revealed most people felt the dance wasn’t appropriate.

“Adam Goodes is a leader in our game, and for indigenous Australians,” McLachlan said.

“Adam Goodes knows he has my support and the support of the AFL.

“I think we are a big enough game to accept and celebrate these forms of expression.”

Hawthorn midfielder Shaun Burgoyne also weighed in, suggesting the criticism vented at Goodes was, in part, related to his strong stance on indigenous issues.

“He’s been very outspoken on his beliefs, which is great,” Burgoyne said on Seven’s Game Day.

“I don’t mind it. I think I would have done it yesterday as well but I’m not a good dancer.’’

He said the dance had been taken out of context.

“The Carlton fans should be proud he was doing it to them.

“In no way I think he was meaning to make them angry.’’

Government MPs also described Goodes as a role model.

Alan Tudge, the Parliamentary Secretary to the Prime Minister on indigenous affairs, questioned why people were criticising Goodes over the dance, which he directed at Carlton fans on Friday night.

“Fancy having aggression on the football field. Do people think they’re at the ballet?’’ Mr Tudge told the Herald Sun.

“Goodes is one of the legends of the game and is proudly indigenous. I think we should embrace the indigenous war dance like the Kiwis have the haka. Indigenous culture is the heritage of this nation and we should be proud of it.’’

Indigenous Affairs Minister Nigel Scullion simply said: “Good on ya Goodsey.’’

Education Minister Christopher Pyne took to social media to offer support.

“Why would anyone overreact to the #AdamGoodes dance on Friday night?” he asked on Twitter.

Parliamentary Secretary to the Defence Minister Darren Chester, a Sydney supporter, said he had “no problem at all’’ with Goodes’ celebration.

“At a time when we are working to instil pride and respect in young aboriginal boys, Adam Goodes has demonstrated his pride in his heritage. He is a role model to his community,’’ Mr Chester said.

Opposition Leader Bill Shorten also called Goodes to leave a message of support.

A Herald Sun poll found 63 per cent of more than 1600 readers felt the dance was not appropriate.