Balchin said the ongoing Goodes’ debate was not something he had specifically addressed with students but it was a topic raised from time-to-time by students in the program. He said it often hard to comment on the complex issue because there was no distinct reason for the negative crowd reaction.

“(Goodes) is a legend of the AFL and has achieved many things, but this unfortunately has been overlooked because of his strong Indigenous beliefs and the fact he is not scared to voice them,” Balchin said. “As paying supporters I believe you have the right to cheer and boo players but I strongly believe it should be based on what the player is or has done on the field – not based on what race, religion or political views a player has off the field. Hopefully this is the case and has no racial undertones.”

St Pats’ well-established program accepts students through their community requests, whether local, regional or interstate. The program fosters a positive educational and social experience with vocational opportunity, evaluating the needs of the student and their home community.

Football is a popular school activity and St Patrick’s College, in partnership with elite under-18 team North Ballarat Rebels, has a rich history of AFL draftees, including Port Adelaide’s Jake Neade. Rebel Yestin Eades earned all-Australian status representing Vic Country in the AFL national under-18 championships this year. Eades moved from Perth last year to board and St Pats in a bid to both pursue football and change his lifestyle.

Goodes, who grew up in Horsham, was drafted from the Rebels after a breakout performance in the 1997 TAC Cup grand final. His brother Brett Goodes, who plays with AFL club Western Bulldogs, co-ordinated the St Pats’ Indigenous program during his time playing with North Ballarat Roosters.

Balchin said some parts of the Indigenous community felt Goodes is too forthright in his approach or may question if Goodes was a token Australian of the Year in 2014. But Balchin reiterated Goodes was awarded the honour by a highly acclaimed panel.

“We have come along way with reconciling our past and respecting the aboriginal culture of this land and let’s hope that Adam and everyone can move on from this and get back to playing and supporting the game in the right manner with the right intentions,” Balchin said.

Goodes, a dual Brownlow medallist and decorated Sydney Swan, polarised public opinion in 2013 when he pointed out a 13-year-old Collingwood fan in the crowd for a racist slur. He fuelled debate again in late May when he celebrated a goal with a war-like dance directed at the Carlton cheer-squad. Booing Goodes has not ceased since. Teammate Lewis Jetta displayed a similar dance in the Swans’ clash with West Coast at the weekend. AFL chief Gillon McLauchlan finally made a public call earlier this week for the booing to stop.