Premiering to sell-out audiences and standing ovations at the Sydney Film Festival, The Final Quarter has found its home on Network 10 with the network confirming it will air later this month.
Covering the last three years of the career of AFL champion Adam Goodes, the film has widely been described as a must-see by Festival audiences, commentators and media.
Goodes, a dual AFL Brownlow Medallist and Indigenous leader, became a lightning rod for a heated public debate and widespread media commentary that divided the nation during the final years of his 372-game football career.
He publicly called out racism, was named Australian of the Year, was accused of staging for free kicks, and performed an on-field war dance celebration.
The cheers became boos as football crowds turned on him.
Using only archival footage aired at the time The Final Quarter holds a mirror to Australia and is an opportunity to reconsider what happened on and off the football field.
The AFL has issued an unreserved apology to Goodes for its failures during the period covered by the film, from 2013 to 2015.
Ian Darling, Director said: “I’m very excited that The Final Quarter will be broadcast on 10 and WIN. It means the film can be seen by everyone across the nation, and that will enable us to take this important conversation to all Australians. I hope everyone will watch this film with open hearts and open minds.”
Adam Goodes said: “The Final Quarter is an independent film. It’s made from archival sources and although I didn’t play a part in making it, I’ve given the film my support. As confronting as I have found the film, I look forward to the conversation it will help generate.’’
The Final Quarter AIRS Thursday, 18 July at 7.30pm on 10.
Click here for a first look.
