One thing that surprised me 4 or 5 years ago was when it became obvious to me that Goodes was really not a liked player (Big Footy, new circles of friends, hearing stuff at matches). In fairness, it was never noticeably racist (although the sentiments may have been), it was all about a perception that he was not always a ball player and that he got an extraordinary run with the umpires (and seemingly the league when he missed suspensions). I would say that it was similar to the dislike of Judd that I hear and read about.
It was all well before the finger pointing. I'm not really in any doubt that, as much as it frustrates me, perception becomes reality and that his being awarded the Australian of the Year less than a year after the finger pointing lead many to draw the conclusion that it was compensation for his being victimised. It is unfortunate because it ignores the community work that he does.
The perception is that it was a token appointment and I am not sure how that is not racist (when it routinely ignores the actual reasons for the award) if the perception is that he is only Australian of the Year because he was a victimised indigenous person.
In 2014 every single bit of gamesmanship displayed onfield became an act which did not befit an Australian of the Year. Given that one thing has nothing to do with the other and the dislike of Goodes has increased post finger point and AOTY, it's left me in little doubt that if the booing wasn't racist it now is.
