Swans say Goodes focussed on AFL final

Yes, Adam Goodes has a lot on his mind as he prepares to play at Domain Stadium for the first time time since the dramatic events of July 26.

No, the AFL star is not brooding over mass booing and what might be motivating it.

“He’s fine – he’s in a good place, he’s playing finals,” says Sydney assistant coach Stuart Dew.

“He knows all the hard work now is for finals and he’s been there before.

“So that’s foremost in his mind.”

Matters came to head for Goodes in round 17 when the Swans lost heavily to West Coast at Domain Stadium.

Eagles fans gave him plenty whenever he had the ball and it was not the first time it had happened this season.

Indigenous teammate Lewis Jetta highlighted the issue by throwing an imaginary spear at a section of the Domain Stadium crowd after kicking a goal.

Goodes had had enough, taking leave for one match and sparking a furious national debate about racism.

It has been much less of an issue since Goodes returning to playing.

The shock news this week about Lance Franklin’s health problems also ensured it has not been on the media radar this week.

“Since it came to a head, people have been respectful,” Dew said.

“We haven’t addressed that at all.”

Earlier this week, Dockers coach Ross Lyon called on the club’s fans to give their team all the support they can, but do so with respect.

“I think it’s clearly inappropriate to (boo Goodes) in the context of the past. So if you choose to do that, you are putting yourself at risk (as to) how you’re viewed,” Lyon said.

A specialist security team to monitor antisocial behaviour will be employed for Fremantle’s fixture against Sydney as well as West Coast’s qualifying final against Hawthorn on Friday night.

While Domain Stadium is a cauldron, Dew noted the Swans also play at the redeveloped Adelaide Oval and are well aware of what is coming.

“Most teams enjoy that, see it as a challenge,” he said.

Dew added there was no club directive to the players in the wake of Jetta’s spear throw and war dance at the Eagles fans.

“Jetta reacted how he felt in his head and heart,” he said.

“We certainly encourage players to be themselves and that’s about as far as it went from our point of view.”

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