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Sam Newman blow-up revealed by Adam Goodes doco director

The director behind the stunning Adam Goodes documentary ‘The Final Quarter’ has revealed he received an angry phone call from former TV personality Sam Newman after the film’s premiere.

According to director Ian Darling, Newman was reportedly irritated to learn he had been featured in the film.

The Final Quarter’ explores the final years of Goodes’ glittering AFL career, which was dogged by racism controversies and crowds booing the Sydney Swans champion.

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Speaking on Channel 9 program Sports Sunday, Darling said Newman had phoned him to ask why he appeared in the documentary.

“Sam called up. He wanted to know why he was in the film,” Darling said.

I made it very clear we wanted to simply show the conversation that happened during that period.

“It was really important that everyone who had a voice was represented and people added to the conversation in so many different ways and Sam played an important role in that conversation.”

Throughout the saga Newman, who once came under fire for appearing in blackface on The Footy Show, insisted booing of Goodes had nothing to do with his race.

A documentary detailing the racist treatment endured by Adam Goodes, left, has riled former TV personality Sam Newman (right).
The director of the Adam Goodes documentary 'The Final Quarter' has revealed he took a phone call from former TV personality Sam Newman, demanding to know why footage of him was used. Pictures: Getty Images

The documentary does not feature interviews with any of its subjects.

Instead, Darling’s film relies on footage and other media from the time, a decision the director made in an effort to show what was said at the height of the controversy.

“In other documentaries I have interviewed people and everyone who is being interviewed, they’re answering questions for the documentary and they’re prepared,” Darling said.

“Whereas in this instance everyone simply revealed themselves as they were in the heat of battle. I think that’s why there’s such an honesty to the film.”

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In addition to his call to Darling, Newman earlier took to social media to criticise the film upon its release.

“Criticising someone from another race - doesn’t make you a racist,” Newman wrote on social media.

“The groveling doco by Sharksh*t Productions ‘The Final Quarter’, should be ‘The Last Straw’.

“Adam Goodes initially was booed for taunting Carlton fans. Racist? So be it.”