WAGGA footballer Harry Cunningham has thrown his support behind Sydney teammate Adam Goodes and called for the booing to cease immediately.
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The treatment of Goodes has divided the sporting nation this week and Cunningham has joined calls pleading for the booing to stop.
The booing of Goodes reached it’s worst level in Perth last Sunday, prompting the Swans to label it “racist” and for the AFL to call for it to end.
Cunningham formed a close bond with Goodes as soon as he arrived at the Swans almost four years ago and wants the booing of his mate to stop.
“Absolutely, it’s got to the point where enough is enough,” Cunningham told The Daily Advertiser on Wednesday.
“The great man doesn’t deserve the treatment he’s getting at the moment.
“He’s got the full support of all his teammates at the club.”
Cunningham said most AFL fans do not get to see the real Adam Goodes, behind closed doors.
“We’ve been pretty close mates ever since I got to the club, he’s one of the easiest blokes to get along with,” he said.
“He’s taught me a lot about AFL and life in the AFL, he’s a great teammate.
“He’ll do anything for anyone, for his teammates or for the club.
“He’s always been like that and that’s why he is so well liked amongst the boys.
“I’ve got the utmost respect for him and that’s why it’s so disappointing to see this happen.”
The booing of Goodes clearly affected fellow Sydney indigenous player Lewis Jetta against West Coast on Sunday.
Jetta celebrated a goal with a tribal dance towards the Eagles crowd, in support of Goodes.
Cunningham revealed the behaviour of crowds has taken it’s toll on all Swans players, including himself.
“We know it’s been happening for a while now and obviously it’s not a good thing but when you have a look at how it affects him, when you’re so close to him, you can’t help but let it affect yourself,” Cunningham said.
“Because it is so obvious when it happens, everyone’s had enough with it now.
“When you see stuff on social media, it does get to you, especially because people don’t know him.
“People are making assumptions without knowing him for the person he actually is.”
Cunningham said the Swans players had rallied together this week to show their support of Goodes.
The Swans play Adelaide on Saturday.