The Adam Goodes saga – a timeline

NOT PRODUCING THE GOODES – HOW RACISM HURT AN AFL CHAMPION

* May 24, 2013: Goodes stops playing and points out a young Collingwood supporter in the crowd who called him an ape during Sydney’s clash with the Magpies at the MCG – the opening game of Indigenous Round. The 13-year-old girl later apologises to Goodes, saying she didn’t understand it was a racial slur.

* May 29, 2013: Collingwood president Eddie McGuire fans the flames of the controversy when he suggests that Goodes be involved in the promotion of a visiting production of the musical ‘King Kong’. He quickly apologises for the gaffe.

* January, 2014: Goodes is made Australian of the Year and goes on to use that platform to highlight the state of race relations in Australia and push for improvements in indigenous health and other indigenous welfare issues.

* May 29, 2015: Goodes performs an indigenous ‘war cry’ dance directed at Carlton fans after he kicks a goal during the Swans’ round-nine clash at the SCG. Goodes stands by the controversial dance, which involved him pantomiming the throwing of a spear, saying it was a celebration of his indigenous heritage.

* July 26, 2015: Goodes is loudly booed by sections of the Perth crowd during Sydney’s loss to West Coast, leading indigenous teammate Lewis Jetta to perform a similar war cry directed at Eagles’ supporters.He describes the situation as “a continual battle”.

* July 28, 2015: Goodes is given two days off by the Swans to come to terms with the furore that erupts following events in Perth.

* July 29, 2015: Goodes reported to be so upset by the controversy that he is considering his future in the game and given indefinite leave by the club.

* August 7, 2015: AFL boss Gillon McLachlan says that anyone who boos Goodes in his return to the field against Geelong would be considered a racist.

* September 12, 2015: Goodes returns to Perth for the Swans’ qualifying final against Fremantle and is roundly booed at Domain Stadium, as one fan is ejected for racially vilifying a Swans player, presumed to be Goodes.

* September 18, 2015: After kicking two goals in Sydney’s semi-final loss to North Melbourne, Goodes informs his teammates he is retiring from AFL football.

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