Fremantle defender Michael Johnson said he would have done the same celebration Adam Goodes performed, if he had kicked a goal during Indigenous Round.
Goodes sparked a debate after he performed a traditional ‘war dance’ after scoring a goal in Sydney’s win over Carlton on Friday night.
Johnson was among four Indigenous players in Freo’s side that played Adelaide.
He said Goodes’ celebration was powerful.
“I thought it was a proud moment for himself, Indigenous players and the Indigenous community,” he said.
“It’s a dance we all learned on the camp.
Just Goodes doing it solo was powerful... But what about every Indigenous player in the #AFL https://t.co/Hg0ho3wxys
— Fremantle Dockers (@freodockers) June 3, 2015Many Indigenous players take part in a bi-annual AFL Indigenous Camp that gives players a chance to connect with their culture.
Goodes said he learned the dance from the under-16 Flying Boomerang team and had performed it during the Indigenous camp in Perth earlier this year.
The Boomerang team is an All Star Indigenous team that plays in the NAB AFL under-16 Championship.
“I reckon if I was up kicking goals as well, I would have broken out and done the same,” Johnson said.
Freo's Indigenous Round jumper
Johnson said Goodes was a role model for the community and obviously proud of his heritage.
“He’s standing tall and proud to be Indigenous,” he said.
“It was a fantastic tribute.
“He’s a quality person and a leader in our community.”
