Who made the ridiculous assumptions that AFL fans were nothing but racist bogans? Pretty impressive survey results don't you agree? Well done Sydney fans in particular. =D>
Survey shows Sydney Swans fans most accepting of indigenous culture
Malcolm Conn
The Daily Telegraph
May 26, 2014 8:00PM
Swans Lance Franklin, Adam Goodes and Lewis Jetta stand in the centre circle next to the letter "R" which stands for recognise at the SCG. Picture: Brett Costello Source: News Corp Australia
A week after Australian of the Year Adam Goodes was racially vilified by opposing supporters for the second time in a year, a new survey has found Swans fans the most accepting of indigenous culture.
With the Swans set to launch the AFL’s indigenous round against Geelong at the SCG on Thursday, Goodes will be a central figure along with fellow indigenous stars Buddy Franklin and Lewis Jetta.
The latest findings from Roy Morgan Research, which coincide with National Reconciliation Week, show that 77.5 per cent of Swans fans agree that Aboriginal culture is an essential component of Australian society.
The Swans are closely followed by the Western Bulldogs (77.3%), Hawthorn (76.7%) and Geelong Cats (73.0%).
Across all 18 clubs 71 per cent of Australia’s 7,611,000 AFL supporters believe Aboriginal culture is important, which is slightly above the national average of 69 per cent.
Swans coach John Longmire is proud of the way that Goodes, a 34-year-old dual Brownlow Medallist, has handled himself after highly publicised abuse incidents against Collingwood last season and Essendon in Sydney’s previous match.
“He’s very passionate about his causes and he’s willing to say it how it is,” Longmire said.
“He also understands that his footy this week is a big part of what he wants to do and how he wants to perform.
Graphic: Supplied
“He’s been able to get the balance of what he wants to do on and off the field really well to be honest.
“He’s been remarkable how he’s handled it.”
Thursday’s game will have extra meaning for Goodes, with the Swans running out in a jumper designed by his mother, Lisa Sansbury.
The Swans have a proud indigenous record, with recently retired forward Michael “Magic” O’Loughlin becoming the first player at the club to register 300 games. Goodes now holds the club record with 335 games.
“Mick O’Loughlin has been a real shining light for this footy club,” Longmire said.
“Two blokes who are really proud of who they are and where they come from and the impact they can have. They’re certainly looking forward to this game.”
The Swans will be without ruckman Mike Pyke again with a hamstring strain while Ben McGlynn returns.
Longmire believes that Goodes is poised to make a significant impact after a quiet return following a long lay-off.
He missed the second half of last season and opening month of this season with recurring knee problems, playing the last four matches with little influence on games.
Goodes was subbed out after quiet nights against Hawthorn and Essendon in his previous two matches.
“His first two games were pretty good and he’s just getting used to the training load and the playing load as well,” Longmire said.
“He’s been able to consistently train well for us over the last few weeks and that turns to good form sooner rather than later.
“We know he’s a flexible player that can play any role on the ground.
“We’re confident he’ll be able to play a really good game for us.”
http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/sport/ ... 6932180419
liar extraordinaire 
![:[]](./images/smilies/th_iwstupid.gif "With Stupid"){kind=small}
Actually no, keep it up, it in fact makes for interesting analysis.
