Mick Malthouse says the tough week endured by Adam Goodes shows that as a nation, we have a long way to go. 

Malthouse and Goodes worked closely as captain and coach, in the International Rules tour of Ireland in  2010.

The Carlton coach says he was shocked by comments made by Eddie McGuire this week, but has praised the way Goodes has handled the issue.

"I was very fortunate to have Adam as the captain of the Australian side, so I know the quality of the person  and I also know the quality of him as a leader."

"I have no doubt he would be wearing those comments for all indigenous people, or anyone who was offended by those remarks."

Sadly, the racist remark isn't isolated. Malthouse says he has been aware of numerous instances of racism throughout his career as player and coach. 

He's urging football fans, players and media alike, to take a stand against racism, and stop being tolerant of ignorance. 

"We don't walk in some other people's shoes. Sometimes we need to. Sometimes we need to walk in someone else's shoes and find out what it's really like."

"I have seen the ugly side and  we have got a long, long way to go."