In his first interview since retiring, former AFL superstar Adam Goodes has told Sydney University student newspaper Honi Soit that relentless booing and racism from spectators took an immense mental toll on him.
Goodes disappeared from the public gaze in July after being continuously booed during a game against the West Coast Eagles. Two men were evicted from the match, one yelling at Goodes to 'go back to the zoo.'
After retiring Goodes declined to take part in the traditional lap of honour for retiring AFL players. He also refused to be considered for an AFL Players Association award that recognises retiring players for their contribution
Now that his official AFL duties have been wrapped up Goodes says his future focus will be on pushing for constitutional recognition of Indigenous people, fighting racism and advocating for domestic violence victims.