Retired Brisbane Lions captain Jonathan Brown likened the saga to the sport's landmark moment when Nicky Winmar famously lifted his jumper and pointed to his skin after being jeered by Collingwood fans at Victoria Park.

Winmar, who played 251 AFL games for St Kilda, made his stand against racism in 1993. "(This) may take a landmark moment in time, like the Nicky Winmar case when he famously lifted his St Kilda jumper," Brown told ABC Radio.

In north-east Arnhem Land, traditional Yolngu dancers painted themselves in the Swans colours, including Goodes' footy number 37 on their backs, as they danced against racism.

Before the opening of the four-day Garma Festival near Nhulunbuy in the Northern Territory, dancers young and old encouraged Goodes to "keep going", as the former Australian of the Year has gone on indefinite leave following months of sustained booing that began after he took a stand against racist abuse during games.

"We can do this for him and dance for him, make him well, make him strong, put him on the front, and all his team," dancer Timmy Galalingu said.

As the debate of Goodes' treatment at the hands of AFL crowds reached fever point, everyone from Prime Minister Tony Abbott to casino mogul James Packer pitched in just before the start of the footy weekend.

The Uniting Church declared "[We] stand as one with AFL player and former Australian of the Year Adam Goodes, who has been subjected to unacceptable racist booing at AFL games."

More than 150 community, political and business groups issued a joint statement in support of Goodes, saying he should be commended for displaying his culture on the football field and for taking a "courageous stance" against racism.

The groups, including the Australian Council of Trade Unions, the AMA, Bond University and Australian Human Rights Commission, say the booing has crossed a line into racial abuse.

Prime Minister Tony Abbott, said the two-time Brownlow Medallist deserved decency and respect.

He told Sydney Radio 2SM he could understand Goodes' feelings but he drew short of calling the hecklers racist.

"Yes, we're a robust people and I guess politicians typically get booed at the footy but Adam Goodes is a good bloke and he's a great player and I hope he'll get treated with respect and civility."

Late on Friday, AFL chief executive Gillon McLachlan issued an open letter to fans, urging them to "respect our game" enough to stop the booing and derision.

"Whether you agree or not, the booing of Adam Goodes is perceived by him and many others as being racially motivated and that's hurting us all.

"Adam is hurting, as are his family and close friends, and the game we love is hurting."

In contrast, former Victorian premier Jeff Kennett tweeted that part of the incessant booing was out of respect to him.

"Adam is a showman, who happens to be a very good sportsman who just keeps on keeping on. I do not believe it is racist. So much of it is envy, not hate, not racist."