karnak wrote:agree 100% nothing to do with it.
Not so sure about that ?
I first remember Goodes playing in an under 18 warm-up match before that historic Prelim against North in 97.
He played a fantastic game, and I memorised his name, hoping we might pick him up.
Didn't happen unfortunately.
Went on to become a key player and won a well earned Brownlow.
AFL promoted it as a "good-news" story - which it was - "Aboriginal role model wins Brownlow".
Since then his game has deteriorated, as has his attitude.
He now frequently resorts to cheap shots.
More recent examples …
Exhibit 1 - his full on attack/charge from behind of that Melb player last year after he had taken the ball.
Everyone was speculating how many weeks - and he got none !!!!
Exhibit 2 - 2 weeks ago a cheap punch to the stomach - probably with 10 times for force than the Gehrig tummy tap to Cloke - and the result ? - let off !!!!!!!!
Why ?
1) Is it the Sydney factor ?
Partly yes, but Goodes seems to get an even better ride than the rest of them.
2) Is it his Brownlow medal ?
Quite possibility - always an embarrassment when a Brownlow medallist gets rubbed out ?
3) Is it his aboriginality ?
He has been proudly presented as a role model, so again an embarassment for him to be rubbed out.
I suspect it is a combination of all 3 factors that seems to give him a permanent "Get out of Jail" card.
The rest of Australia can wander mask-free, socialise, eat out, no curfews, no zoning, no police rings of steel, no illogical inconsistent rules.
They can even WATCH LIVE FOOTY!
