Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Strathfieldsaye Storm players will take to the field in the guernseys they wore in last month’s indigenous round for their match against Kyneton on Saturday in a show of solidarity with Aboriginal Sydney Swan’s forward Adam Goodes.
The two-time Brownlow medalist was granted indefinite leave from the Swans on Wednesday following sustained booing directed towards him over recent weeks which he believes is racially motivated.
The move follows a decision by AFL clubs Richmond and the Western Bulldogs to don their indigenous round strip for their Round 18 clashes this weekend.
Storm coach Darryl Wilson said there was no place for racism in sport at any level and the booing was out of line.
“Whether it’s personal or racial, I don’t care which one it is, I don’t think it needs to exist,” he said.
“Whether it’s at a national level or a local level, I don’t think there’s any place for that at all.”
Wilson said it was important for coaches to set an example on the issue.
“I love the stance that the other (AFL) clubs have taken and I hope something is done about it,” he said.
“I think the leaders at the clubs need to take a stance on it.”
Kyneton president Rob Waters said even though the club didn’t participate in the indigenous round he “absolutely” supported Strathfieldsaye’s stance.
He said if the club had an indigenous guernsey the players would be wearing it.
“It’s good that they’re doing that and we don’t have any problem with it at all, we support them of course,” he said.
“I think people don’t know why they’re booing him and even if for many it’s not racist I suspect for Goodes and for the indigenous community, they think it is, and once you get to that stage and particularly with one of the greatest players of all time thinking about retiring it might be a good idea to stop.”
In the Heathcote District League, Huntly – which also plays an indigenous round – declined to join the Storm’s stance but president Ian Sladden said it was for purely logistical reasons.
“It’s just that they’re actually special jumpers and the blokes that are in the program aren’t the same numbers as what they normally wear,” he said.
“I understand that the guy, for whatever reason people boo him, (but) I’ve got no idea why because he’s been a fantastic player.”