Goodes, an Aboriginal Australian of Adnyamathanha and Narungga heritage,[1] was drafted by the Sydney Swans in the 1997 AFL Draft and went on to have a successful career with the Swans, being awarded a number of accolades for his performance including the AFL Rising Star award in 1999,[2] the Brownlow Medal (2003 and 2006),[3] the Bob Skilton Medal (2003, 2006 and 2011),[4] and All Australian selection (2003, 2006, 2009 and 2011).
The motivation for, and acceptability of, the booing generated wide public debate, which dominated media coverage from both sports and political commentators for weeks at a time.
[13] He returned the following week and played for the remainder of the season after an outpouring of support from fans, actors, politicians, celebrities and teammates, including two spontaneous standing ovations.
[19][20] The Australian Dream tells the story of Goodes' life, from before he became a professional footballer through to his later career as an activist for Indigenous rights in Australia.
[29] It was shown on ABC TV in Australia on 23 February 2020, and is available online for Australian audiences as well as on the streaming service Kayo.
[32] The film's website cites five-star ratings by the Herald Sun and Student Edge, and four and a half from The Age and Switch.
Like several other reviewers, it makes mention of the other 2019 documentary film on the same topic, The Final Quarter, saying that commentators Andrew Bolt and Eddie McGuire get more screen time in The Australian Dream, giving them a platform they do not deserve to justify their contrary views, but overall "it speaks loudly and articulately" on an important topic.
[21] InDaily called it "a brilliant exploration of racism in this country", and a "more comprehensive analysis" of the treatment of Goodes than The Final Quarter.
Regarding it as essential viewing for all Australians, the reviewer says that the Indigenous voices in the film are not trying to divide Australia, but rather "seeking unity and reconciliation through truth and respect".