Adam Goodes’ immediate AFL future remains unclear after widespread support for the Sydney star across the league over the weekend.
Goodes sat out Saturday’s win over Adelaide and is understood to have spent a few days away from Sydney after the simmering controversy about fans booing him came to a head.
Following the loss to West Coast in Perth a week ago, the Swans gave him indefinite leave and the issue exploded into a heated national debate about Goodes, racism and how fans should behave.
That prompted many gestures and messages at round 18, where fans and players backed Goodes amid a widespread hope that he would return to playing soon.
The Swans are cautiously optimistic that he will be back at the club this week.
Coach John Longmire will give a media conference at the Swans headquarters on Monday afternoon.
Once Goodes has returned to the club, then it becomes a question of whether he plays against Geelong next Saturday night at Simonds Stadium.
The Cats have already spoken to Sydney in case Goodes is in the Swans team.
If Goodes plays, it would be the first test of calls from AFL officials, coaches and players for fans to stop booing him on the grounds that it is bullying and racist.
Geelong chief executive Brian Cook said last week that any abuse of the Swans star at Simonds Stadium would not be the Cats’ way.
One of the most poignant gestures for Goodes, who wears No.37 on his guernsey, came during Sydney’s home win on Saturday over Adelaide.
In the third term, the SCG crowd applauded Goodes at the seventh minute.
Western Bulldogs captain Rob Murphy also wore No.37 for the coin toss before Sunday’s Etihad Stadium match against Essendon.
Murphy then wore his normal No.2 during the match, with the Bulldogs playing in their indigenous round guernseys.
Penster
Guest
I have tickets to that match and have heard that the Swans cheer squad will be giving out free eggs to all booers. A brisk pat down by security on the way in should stymie those plans.
DaveM
Guest
With any serious conflict situation , you get absilutely NOWHERE if you expect one side to make all the concessions. We are being expected to believe that the Booers (all of them) are nothing more than vile racists who are attacking an innocent man purely because of the color of his skin and or racial grouping........and they need to stop ---- immediately. Ok , I dont agreee with all of that but I do agree that the Booing needs to stop. But what about the other side of the coin --- Well , Adam Goodes is apparently completely innocent , he has done nothing to bring this on himself and needs to do nothing at all to help defuse the situation. Anyone else out there appreciate how unworkable and irrational that sounds ?
Albo
Guest
So are we allowed to talk at the footy now ? Or will that upset someone's sensibility too ? What about tossing out those with gaudy and offensive clothes ? Or those who don't use deodorant ? Is it OK to think nasty thoughts ? Or will the thought police come stomping towards bay 13 ? Enjoy your footy ! But be very careful who might be watching you !
jax
Guest
Here's a link to an article talking about Jetta's $1,500 fine. No mention of the melee anywhere though and very little commentary on Jetta's (and Goodes) role in inciting the crowd. http://www.abc.net.au/news/2015-07-27/jetta-receives-fine-for-rough-conduct-during-west-coast-clash/6651818
jax
Guest
It has to be left or right does it? What's wrong with the truth?
jax
Guest
And I didn't make it up, I watched the game and made up my own mind, you should try forming your own opinions and collecting all the facts before you do. I challenge you to pick my original post apart and point out any errors I made.
jax
Guest
I believe that some people were booing Goodes over race and I have said that many times. You can see my earlier comments by reading back over the different articles this past week. Why does it have to be all or nothing for some people? The truth usually lies in the middle, never in the headline. I'm simply pointing out the bits of the story that were omitted from the get-go. I like to know the complete story and I thought others might to. I'm sorry if you don't like the truth. It's not as pretty as the story you and have others concocted. Who is telling bedtime stories? I think it might be you.
Momentbymoment
Guest
The best thing to come out of this whole episode is the montage of players showing respect to aboriginal Australia. Just awesome and about time ....
Momentbymoment
Guest
I think he was desperately trying to wipe the egg of his face. Seriously what a ridiculous accusation to bring into the debate as was clearly shown on Saturday.
Ian
Guest
yeah jax - that's the message you made up so you can say no one is booing him because of race. what's your next bedtime story?
Ian
Guest
so you don't think then any commercial tv sports channel and fox sports is 'handwringing' then when they comment how inappropriate the booing is? so it's just the incorrectly perceived 'lefty' thing of course. yawn.
jax
Guest
For a decade or so yes
jax
Guest
That's fair and reasonable.
Coops
Guest
I don't think that forcing people not to boo is the answer, it just encourages further resentment. But for those incapable of acting like mature adults, banning them from consuming alcohol might allow them to see their boorish behaviour for what it truly is.
Coops
Guest
I agree Paul
Rich_daddy
Roar Guru
"It’s not up to Collingwood to tell their supporters how to bring up their kids." No that's the job of the Department of community services :)
Sonny Ofthewest
Roar Rookie
If he's playing dirty then booing would be alright, but if he's not actually doing anything wrong then people could give a bit of respect and let him get on with the match.
Sonny Ofthewest
Roar Rookie
I do hope Goodes comes back and plays out the season before considering retirement. And I'd hope the nastier elements of the crowd restrain themselves and kick up a fuss only when he's actually doing something unsportsmanlike (rather than seemingly all the time for no immediate reason). Goodes will be remembered as one of the all-time greats, and this incident will enter the AFL history books the same way as Nicky Winmar's stand against racism is remembered as a turning point in our great game.
Sonny Ofthewest
Roar Rookie
I think he was too busy lamenting the Pies loss to the Dees on Saturday afternoon!
Redb
Roar Guru
Let's hope he plays out the season and is given respect.