Adam Goodes Biography

Adam Goodes is immortalised with a bronze statue outside the Swans' headquarters at Moore Park.

The statue, which depicts Goodes' famous 'war dance' goal celebration performed against Carlton in round nine, 2015, was created by artist Cathy Weiszmann and with the support of long-time Swans benefactor Basil Sellers.

"A lot of things started to change off the field in relation to me, but more importantly I had made a clear decision on the field that I wanted to celebrate my culture," Goodes said about his dance at the time.

"I thought doing it in Indigenous Round might be a safe place to start."

Adam Goodes makes a rare appearance alongside premiership teammate Michael O'Loughlin and renowned Australian rapper Senator Briggs in a fun take on an important COVID-19 message about social distancing, isolation measures, and dealing with the impact of the global pandemic.

The AFL and all 18 clubs have issued a powerful statement, apologising "unreservedly for our failures" to former Sydney champion Adam Goodes.

Two documentaries – The Final Quarter and The Australian Dream – are set to be released this year detailing the final years of Goodes' career, which saw him retire in 2015 in part after being subjected to constant booing from fans.

"Through Adam’s story, we see the personal and institutional experience of racism. We see that Australia’s history of dispossession and disempowerment of First Nation’s people has left its mark, and that racism, on and off the field, continues to have a traumatic and damaging impact on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander players and communities," the statement read.

"The treatment of Adam challenges us, and our right to be considered Australia’s indigenous football code. Adam, who represents so much that is good and unique about our game, was subject to treatment that drove him from football. The game did not do enough to stand with him and call it out.

"We apologise unreservedly for our failures during this period."

Adam Goodes' bitter end to his decorated 372-game career is documented in a film to be released publicly on June 7 in 2019.

Port Adelaide's Aboriginal programs director Paul Vandenbergh says the film is "quite confronting".

"People like Shauny Burgoyne and Eddie Betts stood up afterwards and spoke on behalf of the group with tears in their eyes," Vandenbergh said on Tuesday.

"Talking about not so much the industry not standing up, but we as Aboriginal people didn't stand up for Adam at the time.

"We sort of stayed silent, which was what we were probably really sad about when we watched the doco."

Adam Goodes is inducted into the Sydney Swans Hall of Fame as a club Legend.

"Adam was also incredibly selfless. He would do anything for the team and play any role, including towards the end of his career and going back to play reserves footy," Swans coach John Longmire said about Goodes.

"When you consider how good a player he was and how much of a distinguished record he had, that was an incredible, selfless act to play reserves footy. He was the ultimate team man."

Sydney Swans chairman Andrew Pridham says watching the treatment of former club champion Adam Goodes last year has prompted the club to lead the charge against the prejudice faced by the LGBTIQ community in football.

"We saw the difficult period that Adam Goodes went through when he supported indigenous causes, and just how brutal the football community can be on game day," he said.

"We're talking about a wide cross section of our society and many of them do have prejudices, and that’s what we've got to break down.

"Clearly there are gay footballers playing in the AFL, statistically it's pretty obvious.

"All we can do is create the environment where they can feel comfortable about coming out in public, (but) I can understand why it's so difficult.

"I certainly hope that players do feel comfortable coming out but it's purely a decision for them."

Adam Goodes says he has achieved closure on the turbulent final year of his career, crediting league boss Gillon McLachlan for playing a big part in that process.

"I think the biggest closure for me was when I did have a sit-down meeting with Gill (McLachlan) and had a chat about last year," Goodes said.

"I thought that was a big step forward for me dealing with what happened last year.

"I've got great closure on last year and I am now able to reflect on my career."

AFL CEO Gillon McLachlan apologises to Adam Goodes on behalf of the game for not acting sooner to stop the booing directed at him by crowds in 2015.

"Adam stood up to represent indigenous people and he took a stand on racism, and for this, I believe he was subject to hostility from some in our crowds," McLachlan wrote in the AFL Annual Report.

"As a game, we should have acted sooner and I am sorry we acted too slowly."

However, Goodes' former teammate Ted Richards says the AFL's apology to Adam Goodes should have come far earlier.

"It's great to see that Gill has acknowledged that now, but it really would have been appreciated a lot earlier last year," Richards said.

Richards said the booing Goodes copped had been unparalleled in Australian sport.

"I just felt that went too far for too long, so much so that it was gaining momentum and it was getting bigger and bigger each week," Richards said.

"I was just really disappointed that it was able to go on for so long."

Adam Goodes' final farewell to Sydney Swans fans will be delayed two weeks in what has been interpreted as an effort to avoid further jeering from Collingwood supporters.

Rather than wave goodbye to Swans supporters at their first home match of the season, when they take on the Magpies at ANZ Stadium, the club has decided to wait until round three when the Swans take on Greater Western Sydney at the SCG to pay tribute to the legend.

"I think it's important Swans fans get the chance to say goodbye to Adam and Adam gets a chance to say goodbye to the fans," Swans CEO Andrew Ireland said.

"The fans have been so supportive of both Adam and Mike throughout their careers and this will give all parties the opportunity to show their feelings.

"It will happen at half-time of the round three match against GWS."

Lewis Jetta hopes West Coast fans understand why he performed an indigenous war dance at an Eagles home match last season and embrace him as one of their own following his trade from the Sydney Swans.

Jetta stunned the Domain Stadium crowd when he celebrated a goal with a war cry in round 17 as a show of support for teammate Adam Goodes, amid the polarising booing controversy that had engulfed the now-retired Swans champion.

“Nothing was happening and up close I could see with Goodesy, some days he was fighting and just putting on a brave face,” Jetta said.

“All the other clubs had been doing it in the previous games and I just got sick of it.

"There were racist people and then there were others who didn’t know what they were booing for. Then you could see kids copying what their parents were doing and it was like a domino effect.

“I was thinking about it for a while and I had to make a stand. It triggered and sparked a whole conversation.”

Jetta, 26, said the controversy about his war dance never affected his plans to return home and play for West Coast, the club he supported growing up, and he hopes for a warm reception from Eagles supporters next season.

“It’s going to be interesting, but that’s footy fans,” he said.

“Like Goodesy said, we’ve just got to keep educating people and just teach them wrong from right. It’s going to take a little while, but I think most people will move on.

“I think once you change clubs, the fans pretty much jump in and back you ... well, that’s what I’m hoping.”

Sydney Swans coach John Longmire has launched a scathing attack on the "keyboard warriors" who abused club legend Adam Goodes this season.

In his coaches' address at the Swans' best and fairest count in Sydney on Friday night, Longmire labeled the people who hurled obscenities or taunts towards the now retired Goodes as "cowards" who tried to tarnish the legacy of the champion.

"To all those who shamefully kick players while they are down or vulnerable, before you act next time, please ask yourself, 'If this was my son, or my brother, or my partner that this abuse was being directed too - would it change the way I act?" Longmire said.

Adam Goodes says he had planned to retire when he stepped away from the game midway through the season, but says the support he received from his club and supporters made him return to the club.

"I didn't want to come back and play footy, it was a tough situation," Goodes said.

"I was eight hours out of Adelaide, we were lucky to get the game on TV, but to see our supporters who have stuck by me for the longest part of my journey and have always been there to support me, and this football club, that was the reason I wanted to come back.

"I knew I'd be protected and supported by the people in this room and it was a very special moment for me.

"There was no way I thought I'd come back from that but I'm glad I did because this football club means a lot to me and it's given me a lot of strength and a lot of good memories, memories I'll have with me forever.

"To see the supporters and the love and the way the boys played that day really showed me how much I meant to them which was really beautiful."

Sydney Swans legend Michael O’Loughlin says he is not surprised by Adam Goodes’ low-key exit from the game, saying that his 2005 premiership teammate always wanted a quiet departure.

Goodes played his 372nd and final game for the Swans in their loss to North Melbourne in Saturday night’s semi-final at ANZ Stadium.

"It would have been nice to see him get carried off the ground or get a lap of honour but to be honest I don’t think he really likes the pats on the back," O’Loughlin told Crocmedia.

"He just said, ‘I’d really love the attention to be on (Rhyce) Shaw, he’s been great for our football club and I’ll get my pats later."

Adam Goodes will say his farewell to Sydney Swans supporters at the start of next season and is likely to miss the traditional Grand Final parade of retired players.

Goodes announced his retirement in the rooms after Saturday's semi-final loss to North Melbourne in Sydney, meaning supporters didn't get the chance to say goodbye on the night.

"There are not too many fairytales in footy and to finish the way we did last night is disappointing," Goodes said.

"I just wanted to do it (announce retirement) on my terms and I think I've done that."

Adam Goodes retires from football after 372 games with the Swans.

Goodes told his teammates and the Swans' support staff of his decision to finish up behind closed doors shortly after their 26-point semi-final loss to North Melbourne.

"I was a bit emotional but he was fine, he handled it really well, so he'll take a deep breath now and he needs it," Sydney coach John Longmire said post-match.

"(He) just (said) how he's been able to enjoy 18 years at a great football club, and the relationships he's been able to establish over a long time, and how everyone means so much to him.

"It's probably hard to imagine life without the footy club but he'll be right, he's pretty successful in whatever he does."

Adam Goodes gives a public show of support to struggling fellow Sydney Swans star Lance Franklin.

Goodes wore number 23 at training at the SCG on Thursday, the same day the Swans publicly slammed "unfair" rumours about Franklin's absence while he battles mental health issues.

A fan is ejected from Domain Stadium for racist comments as further booing of Sydney Swans star Adam Goodes soured Fremantle's nine-point qualifying final win.

Adam Goodes is well received by the Simonds Stadium crowd in his return to footy, with Sydney Swans coach John Longmire praising the "sensational" Geelong faithful for its defiant show of support.

"From what I heard it was really respectful and a fantastic result from that perspective after a couple of tough weeks for Adam," Longmire said post-match.

"The Geelong crowd were sensational, led by the Geelong Football Club who contacted us two weeks ago, and they were fantastic all the way through."

Joel Selwood becomes the youngest Cat to reach 200th games this week when Geelong take on Sydney.

Selwood, however, will run through a joint banner between the two teams in a show of support to Adam Goodes who has been the target of intense booing in recent weeks.

"I'm probably more upset for the Geelong cheer squad, they get (really chuffed) about putting a banner together and we're really thankful that those guys do that for us," Selwood said.

"But we're going to run through the banner together, we decided that as a football club and I'm really happy with that."

AFL chief executive officer Gillon McLachlan is optimistic about how Adam Goodes will be received when he returns to playing this weekend.

"I'm looking forward to Adam coming back and playing," McLachlan said.

"I'm looking forward to the people of Geelong, the supporters of Geelong and the Sydney supporters wrapping their arms around him."

Adam Goodes has confirmed he'll return to face Geelong on Saturday night at Simonds Stadium after a week away on compassionate leave due to being the subject of persistent booing in recent rounds.

Goodes said he was 'humbled' by the support he had received from other clubs and players from all levels of the game, along with the broader community while he was on leave.

"From all involved at the Sydney Swans, from other clubs and players from all levels of the game, from other codes, from the AFL, from so many in the community, the support has been amazing and it has been felt. It has been a great reminder of why I am one of so many people that just love our game," he said.

Adam Goodes calls Swans coach John Longmire to inform him of his desire to return to the side to face Geelong in round 19.

There were fears that the dual Brownlow medallist might walk away from the game after taking extended leave last week, but Longmire said his star was overwhelmed with the show of support from everyone involved in football in round 18.

"We as a football club are extremely grateful for the amount of support from the football community, whether they be coaches, clubs, players and supporters - it's been amazing," Longmire said.

"Adam is especially humbled by it."

Adam Goodes wasn't playing, but the presence of the Swans star was inescapable on Saturday at the SCG.

He was nowhere to be seen, but seemed ubiquitous as references to him were everywhere, as the Swans hosted the Crows.

From Swans chairman Andrew Pridham in his pre-match address, describing the events of the past week in which Goodes chose to take a break from the game following persistent vilification by opposing fans, to moments before and during the game.

Many banners at the ground bore messages of support for Goodes, mentioning him by name or guernsey number.

A video package featuring Goodes played in the last 60 seconds before the first bounce, produced loud cheers from Swans supporters, with Adelaide fans showing their support by waving an indigenous flag.

Once the game started, it took just 54 seconds for an indigenous celebration.

Lewis Jetta, who performed a war dance in support of Goodes after kicking a goal against West Coast last Sunday, did another celebratory dance after splitting the posts on the run from 52m out.

The captains of all 18 clubs have declared "enough is enough" and have made a united plea to football fans to stop the booing of dual Brownlow medallist Adam Goodes.

The move was approved by all club captains, with Dyson Heppell stepping in for injured Essendon skipper Jobe Watson, who is in the UK.

"We call on all supporters, from all clubs, and industry leaders to join us as we make a stand against vilification," the captains said.

"Enough is enough. Enjoy the game, celebrate the success. But don't boo, jeer or taunt players because of who they are or what they stand for.

"We're all human. We're all in this together. And together we can make a difference."

Richmond will wear their Dreamtime jumpers on Friday night at the MCG against Hawthorn in support of Adam Goodes.

"We just wanted to throw our support [behind Adam]. It's not something the AFL community wants to see, one of the greats of our game not playing because of this impact, so the players have made a stand and want to support Goodesy in this way," Richmond coach Damien Hardwick said.

The playing future of Adam Goodes remains uncertain after club officials, his coach and closest teammates declared they're not sure if or when the champion will return to the club.

"Clearly Adam's struggling with the current situation and we think giving him some time off is the right thing to do," Swans chief executive Andrew Ireland said.

"It's disappointing that he ends up in this situation; it shouldn't happen to him, but that's the reality.

"My current view is I think he will come back and play through the remainder of the season. But to be frank, I couldn't be certain of it."

Geelong coach Chris Scott says any fans that boo Adam Goodes from now on will be showing they are bigots.

"Adam has come out and said it is affecting him and he considers it has a racist element to it. On that basis if you go ahead and boo him from now on you're accepting that people are assuming that you are doing it for reasons based on race," Scott said.

Sydney confirm that Adam Goodes has been given more time away from the club and won't be available to face Adelaide at the SCG this week.

Goodes has been absent from the club this week following yet another episode of constant booing and crowd derision last weekend.

His playing future beyond this weekend remains unclear.

"As a club we are working with Adam and those close to him and supporting him through what is a really difficult time," Swans chief executive Andrew Ireland said.

"Adam is sick and tired of this behaviour. It has been happening for too long and it has taken its toll.

"We will give Adam all the time he needs. We will keep supporting him and he will return to the club whenever he is ready."

Allen Christensen expects to booed by the Geelong crowd when he takes on his old side as a Lion at Simonds Stadium but says at least he understands why it will happen.

The 24-year-old opened up about the booing of Adam Goodes, saying he couldn't understand why crowds did it.

"That's the difference. I know why I'll get booed this week, I don't know why he's getting booed," Christensen said.

"I don't really like it, but they (fans) pay their money and they do what they want to do.

"I don't think it's sinister. It's a bit like following the crowd, because everyone else is doing it, we'll do it. It's a bit strange."

Adam Goodes is given leave of absence as the latest storm surrounding the veteran intensifies.

Goodes has been subjected to booing from opposition fans for most of this season, but despite pleas from the Swans, and the AFL community to stop the practice, the issue continues.

The AFL has for the first time conceded the booing of Adam Goodes has "racist" overtones.

"Racism has no place in our game, and while I respect that people may have different views about what is happening to Adam, it is impossible to separate this issue from the issue of race," AFL chief executive Gillon McLachlan said.

"The booing of Adam Goodes is being felt as racism by him and by many in our football community and as such, I urge our supporters to understand the toll this is having, the message it is sending, and that it does not reflect well on our game."

Lewis Jetta says football fans need to show more respect for Adam Goodes and his contribution to the game.

Jetta stunned the crowd at Domain Stadium on Sunday when he goaled and then performed a version of the war dance Goodes' famously used in Indigenous Round.

"All through the game 'Goodesy' was getting touches and getting booed the whole time, so it was just a bit of support," Jetta said.

"He's a superstar of the game, a superstar for us (at the) Swans, and fans need to show more respect for what he's done for the game.

"All this booing stuff needs to be thrown out the window."

AFL chief Gillon McLachlan has called on fans to stop the "ugly" booing of Adam Goodes, saying the concerted "campaign" against the Sydney Swans veteran was hurting a lot of people in the football industry.

"I think there has obviously been a campaign for some months now against one player and the booing has been going on for some time against Adam Goodes and I think we're at the stage where people don't even know why they're doing it," McLachlan said.

"I want to remind people actually that it's got to the point now where it's having an impact and ask people to refrain."

Matt Priddis has urged all football fans to show some respect to Adam Goodes after the Domain Stadium crowd booed him relentlessly during the West Coast's 52-point over the Sydney Swans.

"It's a bit of a sheep mentality I suppose," Priddis said.

"Adam is a great citizen, an AFL great, two-time Brownlow medallist and he deserves a lot of respect."

Lewis Jetta performs an indigenous war dance after kicking a goal against West Coast in response to the crowd at Domain Stadium booing Adam Goodes every time he gathered a possession.

Jetta kicked a goal in the last quarter and immediately turned to the crowd and performed a similar dance.

The dance finished with Jetta pretending to throw a spear at the crowd.

Sydney Swans coach John Longmire said Jetta was frustrated and didn't think Goodes deserved to be booed.

"He (Jetta) wanted to celebrate the goal and he wanted to stick up for a mate," Longmire said.

"I think he was upset. Well, I know he was upset. I spoke to him after the game and he was upset at the booing.

"He has had enough of it and he is obviously pretty close to Goodesy and he celebrated the goal and that's how he acted."

Sydney Swans coach John Longmire has passionately defended Adam Goodes after the dual Brownlow medallist was accused of 'squirrel gripping' Richmond's Taylor Hunt.

A still image showing Goodes tangled up with Hunt was circulated across various social media platforms after the Swans' clash with the Tigers, with some journalists and footy followers accusing the Swan of foul play.

"We think, as a club, that the way that was highlighted was disgraceful," Longmire said.

"If you still a lot of pieces of play during an AFL game of football I'm sure you could make an issue of a number of different things

"To have that one highlighted in particular, I think is very poor.

"You guys make your own decisions but make them on an informed basis. When you look at the whole piece of play in its entirety whilst the game is unfolding, rather than a particular still (shot) in a moment in time."

Adam Goodes says winning a history-making third premiership is the driving force behind him playing into his 18th season.

"Whether it's my last year or not my goal is very simple this year, and that's to win another premiership. And that's what I'm going to try and do," Goodes said.

Sydney Swans midfielder Josh Kennedy has applauded opposing players' calls for fans not to boo Adam Goodes.

"I think it is great from Ziebell that he has come out and said it and I think (Hawthorn's) Jordan Lewis did it a week or two ago, which is great," Kennedy said.

"From our point of view, we can't really control it. We have just got to support 'Goodesy' on the field and get around him as much as we can."

Adam Goodes says he is not interested in entering politics when his career ends to continue his fight for indigenous causes.

"I'm definitely not interested in party politics, definitely not interested in stepping into that arena," Goodes said on NITV.

"I'm very passionate about my causes and I'm going to continue to be passionate, (but) right now I'm not interested."

The saga surrounding the indigenous 'war cry' goal celebration by Adam Goodes finds its way to the New South Wales parliament.

The NSW Legislative Council has passed a motion supporting Goodes while taking aim at Collingwood president Eddie McGuire, labelling the Pies boss "a continual boofhead".

McGuire had told media that Goodes should have pre-warned the public of his intended actions Sydney's game against Carlton to prevent any controversy.

NSW Greens MP Jeremy Buckingham, who is a Collingwood supporter, proposed the motion to back Goodes and condemn McGuire.

"There's a lot stronger words I could have used. I'm a keen watcher of the game and I think it's important that we, as politicians, recognise people for doing good things in our community, and we show leadership when someone is doing something wrong," Buckingham said.

"That's what you call someone who has made a blue, you call them a boofhead, and Eddie has had a shocker."

Sydney Swans coach John Longmire says critics of Adam Goodes need to step back and educate themselves before taking pot shots at the dual Brownlow medallist.

The indigenous 'war cry' goal celebration Goodes performed on Friday night against Carlton is still being talked about, and while the Swans star has received plenty of support, he's also copped plenty of negativity.

Some commentators, including Eddie McGuire, have suggested Goodes should have given prior notice that he was going to perform the dance on Friday night.

"Had we known before the game that Adam or some of the indigenous players were going to do some sort of war cry, we could have been able to educate and understand the situation," McGuire told Channel Nine.

"This is a made-up dance, this is not something that's been going on for years."

Longmire says everyone was welcome to have his or her own opinion, but further education was needed to help a greater understanding of Goodes' actions.

"I was playing with some of the great indigenous players who were able to play our game, but it wasn't really until I became a coach and was able to talk and listen to people like Michael O'Loughlin and Adam Goodes, before I got a really strong understanding of indigenous culture, and I'm still learning," Longmire said.

"As long as you've got an open mind to these things and you don't jump to any conclusions and you're prepared to listen to other people's point of view, that's when you get a true understanding of it."

Adam Goodes' controversial indigenous war cry has been given the AFL's stamp of approval.

The Sydney Swans star divided opinion on Friday night when he celebrated a goal in the Swans' win over Carlton by advancing on a pocket of Blues supporters while performing the traditional dance.

However, AFL chief executive Gillon McLachlan came out in support of Goodes on Sunday.

"We are a big enough game to accept and celebrate this type of expression," McLachlan told Channel Nine.

"The Indigenous Round is a time to celebrate reconciliation and it's a time to reflect on the changes that still need to happen.

"Adam Goodes has my full support and the full support of the AFL."

Adam Goodes celebrates a goal against Carlton with a 'war cry' during the AFL's Indigenous Round.

"I was just a little bit inspired by the under-16 Boomerang kids who taught us a little bit of a war cry, so it's just a little tribute to those guys," Goodes said.

A defiant and fiercely proud Adam Goodes has again stood by his indigenous war cry, and says the reaction to his goal celebration against Carlton night has been extremely surprising.

Goodes charged at Blues fans after he kicked his first goal in the second term of the Swans' 60-point win, and admits he intended to direct his actions at the Carlton faithful.

"It's a war cry dance, so it would be silly to do it to my own supporters. It's a dance that I haven't been able to perform with the Indigenous All Stars," Goodes said.

"I haven't had an opportunity to show that passion, and that pride about being a warrior and representing my people and where I come from.

"There was nothing untoward to the Carlton supporters. It was actually something for them to stand up and go, 'yep we see you, and we acknowledge you - bring it on.'"

Collingwood president Eddie McGuire says he will call Adam Goodes to clear up the incorrect assertion that he had labelled the veteran's indigenous war dance on Friday night violent and aggressive.

Goodes was asked at a press conference on Saturday morning if he had heard McGuire's supposed comments on Fox Footy, and the dual Brownlow medallist said he felt sorry McGuire if that was his view.

McGuire responded, telling SEN that he would clarify his position with Goodes, who directed his war cry at Carlton supporters on Friday night after kicking his first goal at the SCG.

While analysing Goodes' celebration post-match on Fox Footy and the fact it was directed at Carlton supporters, McGuire said: "Let's not get silly about the whole situation ... it is quite aggressive, let's be honest".

"To say that I was violently against it or thought it was violent or anything else, is nonsense ... that's just a complete fabrication," McGuire said.

"We were very, very cautious on the Fox Footy coverage. We analysed it in the context of world sport and whether or not you should be making pseudo or direct political comment during a game of football. That's all it was.

"I'm deeply offended that anyone would even try and implement me in any way shape or form of having a different opinion to one that I'd expressed continually."

Adam Goodes says he does not understand why he is regularly booed in Melbourne.

"It doesn't affect me whilst I'm playing, but it affects my family, my partner and friends who are at the game and they are just trying to understand why," Goodes said.

"I don't know why. You'd have to go around and ask the people who come to the ground, what their problem is with me.

"I look at it after the game, and to think it's still happening is incredibly disappointing."

Sydney Swans coach John Longmire says Adam Goodes has answered the questions over his short-term future through hard work and persistence.

Goodes was recalled to the Swans' line-up for the round five clash against the Western Bulldogs and has steadily played himself into form since.

Longmire said the veteran had his best game for 2015 in Saturday night's four-point win over Hawthorn, with a season-high 18 possessions, seven marks, five inside 50s and a goal.

"Goodesy's form on the weekend was really strong. We were so happy with the way he went, he performed at a good, strong level in a big game," Longmire said.

"He was able to make those necessary adjustments, and work to the level he needed to work to, to make sure he got back into really good form.

"He's a very proud man and he's very competitive, and we saw that on the weekend. His last couple of weeks has been good."

Adam Goodes has told Sydney Swans coach John Longmire he'd rather play reserves in the NEAFL than wear the subs vest for a second straight game.

"We want him to keep going, and he's keen to keep going. We think he's still got a valuable role to play for us this year," Longmire said.

"We still think he can play the sub role this year, we still think he can play in our 21 this year, and will, but at this point in time he thought that a good hitout would be best for him."

Swans coach John Longmire says Adam Goodes will be used regularly as a substitute this year and will also be rested at times.

"Whatever role Adam's asked to play he plays it, and he is understanding of that," Longmire said.

"I think whether it's the sub role or not playing every week, that will evolve over the course of the season, but we're not focused on that too much at the moment."

Adam Goodes says he feels better than last year and has benefited from a second bout of stem cell treatment.

"Last year there were a few little issues with the knee, but I definitely feel a lot stronger and confident in it and there's no doubt that helps me a move a little bit better across the ground," Goodes said.

"I'm three kilos lighter than what I was last year as well, so that definitely helps with the load on my knees."

Adam Goodes denies that not winning the premiership with the Swans in 2014 was his motivation for playing on in 2015.

"If we had won the premiership I definitely think I would have liked to play again," Goodes said.

"It's something that I've been able to taste twice before and I've now had defeats in two others."

Adam Goodes has confirmed he will continue his career with the Sydney Swans in 2015.

"I love playing football and I enjoyed 2014 as much as I enjoyed my first year," Goodes said.

"Certainly the view from mid-year, and the club has been very supportive, was if my body could hold up to it, then there was no reason why I wouldn't continue on.

"My body feels as good as it has for some time and the fire is still burning, so I can't wait to get stuck into 2015."

Following Sydney's Grand Final loss to Hawthorn, Adam Goodes says he is unsure about whether to play on in 2015.

"Right now I feel disappointment from today," Goodes said.

"I'll see if there is a burning desire to get me back for the pre-season. I've got time on my side to make a decision."

Adam Goodes says he doesn't mind being booed by opposition fans, the level of which has reached new heights in 2014.

"Sometimes it's a mark of respect, that the opposition fans don't want you to play well, and every time you get the football," Goodes said.

"It doesn't bother me to be honest.

"It's one of those things where if I pay too much attention to what the crowd's doing, then I'm not really playing my role on the field."

Goodes will play in his 350th match this week in the Swans' preliminary final against North Melbourne, becoming just the 14th player to do so.

Off-contract next month, Goodes says he is yet to decide whether he will continue in 2015.

"The enthusiasm is still there, the desire is still there to suit up and play at this level, and I still think I've got a lot to offer at this level as well," Goodes said.

"What happens in the next couple of weeks will play itself out and it's just a really exciting week for the football club and me personally."

Adam Goodes engages in banter with cricketing great Shane Warne via social media.

Warne took to Twitter to question Goodes' supposed habit of diving to win free kicks and also expressed his surprise that the dual Brownlow medallist had been named Australian of the Year.

"Does everyone get annoyed when Adam Goodes always "stages" for free kicks?" Warne tweeted.

"I just found out Goodes was Aust of the year, wow ! Who votes for that?" Warne continued.

"Thanks for your support mate maybe ask @gilly381 who votes for it he is the chair of the Australia Day Council," Goodes replied.

Lance Franklin has expressed his disappointment after he and Adam Goodes were the subject of racist comments from a member of the crowd during the Sydney Swans' win over the Western Bulldogs.

Neither player heard the comments during the game at Etihad Stadium, but Victoria Police have confirmed a Bulldogs supporter was removed from the ground for racially vilifying the two Swans.

"It's disappointing that it's still happening in the community and especially at football games," Franklin said.

"It's obviously very good that the crowd has come forward and spoken up.

"I think it's just something that needs to be cut out of the game and the more we can teach people not to be racist, the better for the game."

Brett Kirk is the star of a new film called 'Aussie Rules The World', in which Sydney filmmaker Michael Stringer McIntyre tracked the Kirk family's six-month journey to 20 countries.

The film also features Adam Goodes and Bachar Houli, who talk about their path to the AFL, and men of influence such as Andrew Demetriou, Mike Sheahan and Eddie McGuire.

As part of Kirk's role as the AFL's International Ambassador in 2011, the family was sent on a mission to explore and share the footy gospel, and what the retired footballer found was Australian Football was much more than just a game, it was a pathway to unite communities and break down barriers.

Along the journey, Kirk, his wife Hayley, son Indhi, 6, twin daughters Memphys and Tallulah, 4, and Sadie, 2, found themselves on the war-torn streets of Jerusalem, where they met the Israeli-Palestinian Peace Team.

"This film really captures the essence and the spirit of our game and the joy it brings and the barriers it breaks down," Kirk told the AFL Record.

"It connects people and that's what I love about it and that's why I've been intimately involved in it since I was a young boy.

"With the horrible things that are happening in the world at the moment, there is an inspiring story about a team that's made up of half Israelis and half Palestinian players.

"There's a really powerful quote in the film, from an Israeli player, 'if the world was one big footy field, everything would be all right', and it just sits with me now."

Despite two premierships, two Brownlow Medals and a swag of other honours, Adam Goodes admits he harboured doubts over his ability to make it back to his top level as he battled a persistent knee issue.

The Sydney Swan will set another milestone this week when he breaks Andrew McLeod's record for games by an indigenous player, with appearance No.341 against West Coast on Sunday.

But it's a record that took a little extra time to arrive as he spent 10 months on the sidelines.

"It's just been pleasing to get back and still be able to contribute and have my speed and be fit enough to keep up with a lot of these younger guys," Goodes said.

"There are some things I can't do out there. I'm not going to tell everyone what they are.

"But I'm still able to keep my speed, I can still put pressure on that forward line and I can still kick goals."

Adam Goodes expects incidents of racism "to get worse before things gets better" as people start to speak out about the issue.

"More people are standing up and saying "This is unacceptable", which is what we want to start to do," Goodes said.

"That's how we're going to make change.

"For me, that's why I see it is going to get worse because people are going to call out more people, which I think needs to happen."

Adam Goodes says he is encouraged by the stand being taken by AFL fans to help stamp out racism after an Essendon member was called out by fellow supporters for inappropriate comments targeting Goodes during the Bombers' recent clash with the Swans.

"Supporters across the League are taking a stand and the incidents out there are just proving that AFL supporters don't want to stand for this anymore," Goodes said.

"I take my hat off to those supporters because that's the environment I want to play in and put on a show.

"And that's the environment they want to be able to bring their kids to the football and watch the game and let the players do what they do best."

An Essendon fan has had his membership cancelled after racially vilifying Sydney Swan Adam Goodes during the Bombers' 50-point loss to the Swans.

"While it is disappointing that these incidents still arise, there is a positive to come out of this, and that is the willingness of people in the crowd, regardless of the colours of their scarf and jumper, to draw a line in the sand and say that this is not acceptable," Goodes said.

"While there still work to be done, to have Essendon members alert stadium security to the incident is a great indication that people in the football community will not tolerate racial vilification."

Adam Goodes says Eddie McGuire's racial gaffe last year ended their friendship.

"Friends don't make jokes about their friends like that," Goodes said.

Goodes said he would still shake the hand of the Collingwood president and broadcaster in a professional environment, News Corp Australia reported.

"But from a friendship point of view, unfortunately I have lost one there," Goodes added.

Adam Goodes is confident the responsibility of being named Australian of the Year won't affect his on-field form.

"It's nothing I haven't dealt with before – having lots of responsibilities – balance is always key and football will always come first because that's my job," Goodes said.

"I'm out of contract at the end of this year so I really want to make this a really big season for me. I really want to make sure I give myself every opportunity to be the best I can on the footy field."

Adam Goodes is named the 2014 Australian of the Year in Canberra, after being recognised for his work with indigenous youth through the Goodes O'Loughlin Foundation.

"I think the biggest thing for me is to keep leading the way that I lead," Goodes told Channel 7's Sunrise.

"The award of New South Wales, and of Australian of the Year is recognition of making the right choices at the right time, standing up for who you are and what you believe in.

"That's not going to change and I just look forward to being able to do that on a bigger stage now and hopefully get to as many people to have those conversations with and hopefully inspire others to do the same thing."

Adam Goodes will not require further surgery to his knee but will undergo a restricted pre-season in preparation for his 16th season with the Swans.

"He's not going to do a lot in terms of a lot of ball work until January, but the boys only get back on December 2 anyway," Swans coach John Longmire said.

"He'll be running and doing leg weights until Christmas and hasn't required a further operation. We'll then get him into ball work in late January I'd imagine."

Adam Goodes' is ruled out for the season after failing to train strongly in preparation for the Swans' semi final against Carlton.

"Adam trained as hard as he had for quite a while on Tuesday and pulled up OK yesterday, but he was a little bit sore in the warm-up today and therefore we decided not to push him," Sydney coach John Longmire said.

"It is not a case of him having reinjured his knee. He's still fine - but the intensity of Tuesday's session meant that it was hard for him to back it up again today, so that's his season done.

"It is obviously disappointing, but the reality is that Adam hasn't played for a significant amount of time and we have a great deal of confidence in the group of players who are available."

Adam Goodes has been honoured with a lifetime achievement award in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander sport for his stance against racism and his long list of AFL achievements.

Goodes received the Ella Award at the Deadlys at the Sydney Opera House.

The award is named after the acclaimed Ella family, with brothers Mark and Glen representing the Wallabies in rugby union in the 1980s and sister Marcia a former Australian netballer.

"The Ella Award for Lifetime Achievement in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Sport recognises excellence and achievement on and off the field," Marcia Ella-Duncan said.

"(It's) an award that marks our leaders in sport, singles them out and says 'you have set a national example for others to follow'.

"An Aboriginal man that has stood up to be counted, standing tall against racism, and setting an example in the tradition of the great Nicky Winmar."

Sydney coach John Longmire must decide if he will bring Adam Goodes, who has not played since round 13, back into the side to face Carlton in the semi final.

"We're certainly mindful of what he has and hasn't done, and he hasn't done a lot of training and hasn't played for a long time," Longmire said.

"We also know he's a pretty special player and a pretty special and mentally tough player and person.

"We're not sure whether we'll play him. We've obviously got a couple in that boat and we need to make sure we get that balance right."

Adam Goodes says he aims to get back into the Swans side for the finals.

"Where I'm at at the moment, it's a session-by-session prospect," Goodes said.

"I won't be coming back this week, but I'll be trying my hardest to come back for the finals series.

"We're guaranteed two finals games, so I'm definitely going to try my hardest to get back for those."

Outgoing Sydney Swans chairman Richard Colless says the club has put the racism controversy between Eddie McGuire and Adam Goodes behind them after the pair spoke to each other in private over the matter.

"Eddie McGuire doesn't have a racist bone in his body and he's probably done more I think for the betterment of society than most," Colless said.

"It's a closed issue. What they said to one another is private and the message we conveyed that afternoon to the media was that the Swans have nothing more to say."

Sydney say they are confident Adam Goodes will be back playing good football again this season after a successful arthroscopy.

"Adam had some floating cartilage removed from his knee and everything seems to have gone as well as it possibly could,'' Swans football manager Dean Moore said.

"If all goes to plan during his rehabilitation we expect to have him available in six weeks time.

"Adam is the ultimate professional when it comes to preparing himself to play, so we're confident he will be back playing good football later in the year.''

Adam Goodes is ruled out until late in the season after requiring surgery for cartilage damage suffered against Port Adelaide.

"Last year we were pretty competitive with him out and at some point in your evolution as a footy team, you've got to make sure you can cover some of the star players that have carried the load for a long time," Sydney coach John Longmire said.

"We can't rely on Adam Goodes to win us games of footy and clearly over the next six weeks, that won't be the case."

Eddie McGuire will begin his counselling program after racially vilifying Adam Goodes.

"It's a confidential program, it's been signed off by all the appropriate people, and Eddie will commence that shortly," AFL CEO Andrew Demetriou said.

"It's very substantial and he's ready, willing and able. It's been put together by very eminent people and it's also had input from the player group."

After being racially vilified twice, Adam Goodes overcomes a trying week to lead the Swans to victory against the Bombers with four goals from 15 disposals.

"Nothing much probably surprises me with 'Goodesy'," Sydney coach John Longmire said after the match.

"There were times during the week when he was exhausted and … he was still pretty tired on Thursday and then he freshened up yesterday and felt really good today, which is a real credit to him."

North president James Brayshaw says racism still common in the AFL and that he supports Adam Goodes taking a stand against it.

"It's not a one-off incident, it happens way too often. It's virtually a weekly occurrence, I think across the board," Brayshaw said.

"And I think Adam Goodes what he was doing last Friday was basically putting his hand up and saying: 'Enough. We shouldn't have to in the two hours we run out on an AFL field have to put up with that being said across the fence.'"

Eddie McGuire says he is prepared to stand down as Collingwood president after his on-air gaffe linking Adam Goodes to King Kong.

"If that's appropriate, if that's symbolic, if that makes a difference, then I will. I have no problem with that," McGuire said.

"And I'd have no problem if Triple M said 'Have a spell' [and] if Fox Footy said 'We don't want you to be the face of footy this weekend, maybe have a spell', then I would happily do that and cop that blemish on my impeccable record in that regard to make the point."

Eddie McGuire fights back tears as he expresses remorse over his King Kong gaffe on radio.

"It's hard to be portrayed in the opposite of what you are," McGuire said.

"I know I've made the blue yesterday and I've explained the whole situation. But look it is, it's really hard, but it's good to hear that maybe you know somewhere along the journey you've done something right as well.

"If I'm feeling it this morning, I can only imagine what Adam Goodes has felt all his life, and Harry O'Brien, and that's why I'm not going to turn this into the Wailing Wall for me."

Collingwood's board says it wants Eddie McGuire to continue as president of the club despite the recent 'King Kong' furore.

"While we accept that Eddie made a mistake that caused serious offence to Adam Goodes and many more, we balance this against the work Eddie and the board have done, and continue to do, to make Collingwood an institution in football and society that our entire family can be proud of," vice-president Jack Kennedy said.

"Eddie has led with distinction for almost 15 years and a hallmark of his time has been a commitment to positive change on and off the field, at Collingwood and beyond."

Eddie McGuire apologises to Adam Goodes after making suggestions with racial overtones that Goodes should be involved in the promotion of the King Kong musical.

"Morning Australia this is what I have woken up to," Goodes tweeted in reference to an article about McGuire's comments.

Harry O'Brien slams president Eddie McGuire for suggesting Adam Goodes should be involved in the promotion of the King Kong musical.

"Im [sic] extremely disappointed with Eddie's comments and do not care what position he holds, I disagree with what came out [of] his mouth this morning on radio," O'Brien tweeted.

"To me Eddie's comments are reflective of common attitudes that we as a society face. To me Australia is very casual with racism, I would argue that many people in this country would not think what Eddie or the 13yr old girl said last friday is 'bad'.

"In my opinion race relations in this country is systematically a national disgrace and we have a long way to go to reach a more harmonious and empathetic society."

The incident surrounding a young girl racially abusing Adam Goodes creates waves on Twitter prompting Goodes to express his support for her.

"Just received a phone call from a young girl apologizing for her actions. Lets support her please," Goodes tweeted.

"It's not a witch-hunt. I don't want people to go after this young girl. We just need to educate our society better so it doesn't happen again."

The mother of the 13-year-old who hurled abuse at Adam Goodes says she is taken aback by the amount of media scrutiny surrounding the incident.

"I hope it's done and dusted. I think it was blown out, for a 13 year old, it was blown out of proportion," she said.

"I think she would take it back if she could. I'd just like to apologise to Adam for it being said and apologise to the Collingwood Football Club."

Footage of a Collingwood supporter shouting racial comments has been uploaded to YouTube.

"Give it to Goodes because he is black. Give it to (Lewis) Jetta because he is black. It's Indigenous Round umpire," the barracker shouted in the video.

Adam Goodes is seen to point towards a Collingwood fan alleged to have racially abused him in the Swans' clash with the Magpies during the AFL's indigenous round.

The young girl is subsequently ejected from the stadium by security.

After the game, Collingwood president Eddie McGuire personally apologises to Goodes in the change rooms and vows to ban the fan from the club.

"This club doesn't stand for it, the football world doesn't stand for it," McGuire said.

"I didn't want him to feel that this is in any way endorsed or condoned, or anything other than that we are just absolutely devastated that someone would say something like that.

"Everyone knows the rules at Collingwood: if you racially vilify anybody, it's zero tolerance; you're out."

Adam Goodes says he was extremely hurt at comments made to him at the boundary line by a Collingwood supporter but says he does not blame the young girl for those comments.

"To come to the boundary line and hear a 13 year old girl call me an 'ape', and it's not the first time on a footy field that I've been referred to as a 'monkey' or an 'ape', it was shattering," Goodes said.

"She's 13, she's still so innocent. I don't put any blame on her. Unfortunately, it's what she hears, in the environment she's grown up in that has made her think that it's ok to call people names."

On the eve of the AFL's indigenous round, Adam Goodes pays tribute to Nicky Winmar's courageous act of defiance at Collingwood's Victoria Park 20 years ago.

"It was one of those moments of a proud indigenous man standing up for himself," Goodes said.

"It's something that stands in history which proves that you can call me all the things that you want, you can discriminate against me, say all these things, but I'm still going to be black, I'm still going to be proud.

"That's exactly what the photo symbolises to me. Even today, 20 years later, it highlights how every indigenous person should feel about their heritage."

Dan Hannebery says teammate and champion Adam Goodes' impact on the Swans is even bigger off the field.

"He's a leader of the team, but he also helps the young guys coming through and makes sure they're all doing the right things," Hannebery said.

"It's not just about what he's done on the field, which has been unbelievable, but it's more about how he goes about it off the field and how he sets the tone for the culture of the footy club."

Swans coach John Longmire says the club has taken offense to Dermott Brereton questioning the courage and fairness of Adam Goodes.

"I find it quite strange sitting here having to defend Adam Goodes's reputation," Longmire said.

He's won two Brownlow Medals. As far as I know they award those for the best and fairest player so I think Adam Goodes's reputation stands alone.

"I had a brief chat with Adam. Adam doesn't care what Dermott Brereton thinks and so he shouldn't."

Former Hawthorn great Dermott Brereton blasts Sydney champion Adam Goodes for allegedly trying to chop the legs of Hawthorn defender Josh Gibson.

The AFL Match Review Panel had cleared Goodes of the incident, saying he was making a legitimate attempt to kick the ball.

"Adam Goodes, as is his penchant ... lunges forward with a foot," Brereton said on SEN radio.

"To me, he knew exactly what he was doing and he chopped out Josh Gibson's leg. Quite possibly, that action can ruin somebody's career. In English football, that is a leg chop - that is red card stuff."

Having played primarily as a forward in 2013 so far, Adam Goodes says having Kurt Tippett in the side will free him up for a run in the midfield which he is looking forward to.

"Definitely I'd love to play more in the midfield," Goodes said.

"But our midfield is playing so well and (we have) our keys up forward - myself, Sammy Reid and a ruckman as well.

"So until the big fella Kurt Tippett comes in, I'm happy to play that role up forward and pinch-hit in the midfield when they need me."

Adam Goodes says he'll be ready for the start of the AFL season after recovering from a partial posterior cruciate ligament tear.

"I think the best thing that has happened out of all of it is that I'd gone through the same process with my other knee," Goodes said.

"We've taken a really cautious approach this time because we did have that extra time and now I feel like I'm really coming good at the right time of the year.

"There is no doubt I'll be ready for round one."

Swans star Adam Goodes admits he is underdone after a pre-season dominated by rehabilitation on an injured knee.

"No pain. No swelling. Nothing to worry about. Just got to get back to the fitness that everyone else is at," Goodes said.

"Every year offers different challenges. Coming back with a premiership medallion makes you feel pretty good about having a sore knee.

"I've been around footy for 15 years. You have to deal with a lot of different things throughout pre-season and you know what you have to do to get yourself right for round one."

Adam Goodes plays on in the 2012 Grand Final without painkillers despite tearing a ligament in his knee against the Hawks.

"He was enormous. He did a PCL and the word came back up that his PCL was gone in his good knee," Sydney coach John Longmire said.

"Obviously it wasn't the news I really needed at that time. But to be able to just come back on, and I asked him a couple of times during the course of the game 'Are you all right?'

"He didn't even flinch. He said 'Don't worry about me'. He went on and no excuses from him, went out there and contributed really well."

Swans co-captain Jarrad McVeigh will be the official skipper in Saturday's Grand Final.

"We're both equally a part of it and very proud to lead out team out," McVeigh said his co-captaincy with Adam Goodes.

"Nothing changes; it's just the toss of the coin and stuff like that. Our leadership group and 'Goodesy' and myself are very proud to lead this group out.

"We haven't really spoken about [who will lift the cup first] because we've got a lot of hard work to do before we can do that."

A return to full fitness has seen Adam Goodes find top form at the business end of the season after finishing with 25 disposals, nine marks and six clearances against Collingwood during the Swans' preliminary final.

"You don't play over 300 games and have a couple of Brownlows hanging around your neck if you haven't got class," teammate Ryan O'Keefe said.

"He's one of our leaders and he's had a couple of injuries during the year. But he's over that and I think he's really enjoying it and loving the challenge of finals."

Adam Goodes has admitted he felt frustrated with his slow return to form after returning from the longest injury layoff of his career.

"I always thought I'd be back in six week and did all the right things to get myself back, but I was a little naïve to think I could come back and play to the standard I want to get to," Goodes said.

"So it has been a little bit frustrating from that point of view, but I'm just happy to be back playing footy."

John Longmire says dual Brownlow medallist Adam Goodes should finally be right to return for Friday's round 13 clash with Geelong.

"There's no expectation for him to come in to the team and dominate from the first bounce," Swans coach John Longmire said.

"We know he's a fit player, he can play forward, midfield, a number of roles for us, we just expect him to come in and contribute. We know he's a handy in for us."

John Longmire says he doesn't spend too much time worrying about Adam Goodes who is still out of the side after tearing his left quad muscle against Adelaide.

"I don't think it's all about Adam Goodes," he said.

"Adam Goodes hasn't played for a month and won't play for another couple of weeks.

"I'm less about Adam Goodes and more about the players who can actually do something on the weekend. It doesn't concern me too much because there's no point worrying about it."

The Swans have been dealt a harsh blow, with star Adam Goodes set to miss six weeks with a torn quad muscle.

"It's a hard injury to predict," Sydney coach John Longmire said.

"It may be longer, it may be shorter, but I can't sit here today and say it will be this amount of weeks for sure.

"Goodesy normally recovers really well, but with this injury we have to be careful not to push him too hard even when he's feeling well."

Adam Goodes says he is still not considering retirement ahead of his club-record 304th game on Sunday because he believes the Swans are on the cusp of greatness.

"That's why I'm still running around right now. I really believe we've got a great opportunity at this football club to win another premiership while I'm still here," Goodes said.

AFL CEO Andrew Demetriou says rugby converts Karhichael Hunt and Israel Folau have made significant and positive impacts on the game.

"We want Israel Folau and Karmichael Hunt to stay in the game, they're great ambassadors for the game and with the risks they've taken they have nothing but praise from all of us," Demetriou said.

"Both have returned our investment in spades. In fact, they're in credit."

Adam Goodes has claimed his third Bob Skilton Medal, finishing ahead of Rhyce Shaw and Josh Kennedy.

"It's always an honour to receive a medal like this," Goodes said after receiving the medal from Skilton at a packed function at Darling Harbour in Sydney.

"It's been a very special year for this football club. No doubt this has been my most consistent year in the last five years. I would like to thank my teammates for making me look good on the field."

Swans co-captain Adam Goodes will cap a remarkable career, becoming the fastest player to 300 games when he takes on the Blues in a semi final against Carlton.

"For me, it was just a progression for me in finishing high school and playing some good footy that year and not knowing what I was going to do that year," Goodes said.

"I'm a big believer that everything happens for a reason and here I am 299 games later standing in front of you guys. It's been a fantastic journey and a journey that still has a long way to go."

Dual Brownlow medallist Adam Goodes and 2008 club champion Jarrad McVeigh will be joint captains of the Sydney Swans in 2011.

"It's a big job, and they are quite different people so I believe they will complement each other as they undertake this important role for the club," Swans coach John Longmire said.

"I chose Jarrad as co-captain because he plays a disciplined role for the team and has done so for a number of years now. He understands the game well and is prepared to help drive the group."

Dual Brownlow medallist Adam Goodes will skipper Australia in the International Rules series against Ireland.

"I'm really honoured by the position, to represent these young blokes here today because it is a huge thing," Goodes said.

"I saw Ricky Ponting get off the plane this morning saying he still wants to be Australian captain, and to be named Australian captain and be put in that sort of list is just a huge thing for me and hopefully I can serve the boys well."

Sydney Swan Adam Goodes has disputed Jason Akermanis' belief that it would be difficult for a gay player to come out.

"I'd like to think the environment isn't [homophobic]. Does that mean there aren't guys who are gay in our football competition? If you look at statistics purely on the blokes that we have, there probably are a couple," Goodes said.

"Whether or not they're too scared to come out, hopefully it isn't the environment they're in [that is stopping them]."

Swans co-captain Lewis Jetta says his pre-draft faith in Lewis Jetta has been justified by his thrilling pre-season cameos.

"Seeing a bit of footage of him before, you know that he can definitely play the game and if he gets a bit of confidence up ... then he can make anything happen," Goodes said.

"You saw in that first game what he can do when he does turn his pace on, and he's got great skills as well."

Adam Goodes says he will need to re-invent himself as a centre half-forward in 2010 after spending most of his career in the ruck and midfield.

"I'm in the forward line to play a role for our team. If I'm doing my job right with my leading patterns, the ball will be kicked to me, but I'm hopefully creating space and forcing other players to lead, creating opportunities for them as well," Goodes said.

Adam Goodes is taking indigenous recruits Lewis Jetta and Byron Sumner under his wing, much like Michael O'Loughlin did with him.

"It was fantastic. We haven't had any new Aboriginal brothers at the club for a while and to get Byron Sumner and Leroy Jetta - two quality kids - is great," Goodes said.

"I'll look after those boys and encourage them along, just the same as the other boys, but it's good to have a little more brotherly love around the place."

Lewis Jetta was expecting to be picked up by Sydney after having a chat with Adam Goodes prior to the 2009 NAB AFL draft.

"He told me good luck and said something about pick 14," Jetta said at his first day of training at his new club.

"I did not believe him until when I had my name called out and I was thinking in my head, 'You just spoiled the moment Goodesy'. I wanted to be surprised ... but it is alright, I am here now."

Adam Goodes urges his teammates to rally for retiring Swans Michael O'Loughlin, Leo Barry and Jared Crouch in their final game for the club against Brisbane.

"I really want to enjoy it, and the only way you can really enjoy it is winning games of football and really trying hard," Goodes said.

"I really hope the blokes switch on and learn from what's happened today and give 110 per cent next week for four quarters.

"I know that's what I'll be aiming to do and I just hope that everyone else can do that for 'Mickey O', Leo and 'Crouchie'."

Adam Goodes will become the second fastest player to reach 250-game milestone when the Swans take on Geelong at ANZ Stadium this week.

Goodes has two more years to run on his contract and is on track to possibly hit the 300-game milestone by the end of it.

"The way the body's feeling at the moment, I'll be playing out those two years and hopefully we'll see how we go after that," he said.

"I've been very lucky with injuries through my career and hopefully I can keep lucky and maybe play in the forward line and last a bit longer."

Dual Brownlow Medallist Adam Goodes says the transfer from Paul Roos to John Longmire wil ensure the Bloods' culture goes on.

"What we've started with Roosy six or seven years ago, we want to keep up at this footy club," Goodes said.

"This culture we've started, we don't want it to change and we want it to keep building on it.

"Having 'Horse' (Longmire) take over at the end of next season ensures that this culture, this brand of footy and what we started a long time ago will stay on and bypass a lot of us at this footy club."

Adam Goodes is attracting strong interest from punters who believe he is on track to win his third Brownlow Medal.

"We are always wary of him because he would poll votes if he was the interchange steward," Gerard Daffy of SportsAlive said.

Sydney Swans coach Paul Roos says Adam Goodes can improve his already stellar reputation with a move to the forward line.

"Where he's played his best football has been as a midfielder but if you looked at his game last weekend against Richmond, he had seven shots at goal [as a key forward] and really dominated that position," he said.

"He can have an enormous impact over the next two or three years if we continue to play him in that role."

The super Swan is finding greater numbers in '09 and doesn't have the in-team competition of other fancies.

Statistics show that Goodes has won more of the football in 2009 than in either of his medal-winning years. More importantly, he has made opposition teams pay when he has gained possession.

"I know that wasn't his Brownlow year, but the back end of 2007 was probably the best footy I've seen him play," Sydney assistant coach John Longmire said.

"While he's probably not at those heights, he's certainly been a really consistent performer for us."

Swans star Adam Goodes says a return to meditation helped him refocus after a form slump and says he relishes his leadership role at the club.

"I love the responsibility of being one of the co-captains," he said.

"I think I was taking on more things in my mind than I needed to - trying to get other players up, making sure that I did everything and everybody else did everything when they should just worry about getting themselves ready.

"It just took me a while to know my role and know what responsibilities I could take out on to the ground without over-clouding my mind."

Adam Goodes and Michael O'Loughlin throw their support behind the idea of holding a mid-season All Stars game.

"It would be fantastic," Goodes said. "I know in the middle of the season I would be fit and raring to go to play it. I reckon if you rotated it, and had the All Stars game one year, then had the Victoria versus SA Dream Team game the next, I'm all for that."

"I think all the brothers would jump at that chance if they put a game on mid-season," O'Loughlin said.

"Each and every one of them, they are so proud to play in that All Star game in Darwin."

His team lost to Geelong, but Adam Goodes says it was what he needed to get his season on track.

"I was just happy to contribute. I think the last couple of weeks I haven't been able to get out there and contribute and to play a role," he said.

"To get some clearances and to get the ball into our forward line was a really big goal for me and to break the line and just felt really strong and solid out there was really pleasing."

The Swans are the last remaining club to field co-captains, but skipper Adam Goodes believes the model is the best.

"Why not have three different captains on the field at any point in time and three captains to share the media and off-field responsibilities?" Goodes said.

"What better reward for a bloke in the leadership group to know there's three chances for him to become captain of his football club?"

Adam Goodes is named co-captain of Sydney for 2009.

Adam Goodes reveals he was racially abused during an AFL game in 2002 by one of the game's elite players.

Goodes says he was called "a f------ monkey-looking c---" by the player during a game at the SCG.

"I was shocked because he is one of the highest-profile players in football, held up as a role model," Goodes said.

"I reported the incident; it took a while for it to sink in and, by the time the player - who admitted his actions - called me to apologise, as per the first phase of mediation, I was so angry I could barely speak to him. Actually, I blasted him for 15 minutes.

"I honestly believe that the person was very sorry for what they said to me.

"That person is very clear about how it made me feel and how it might make someone else feel. I would be very surprised if that player would say anything like that ever again."

Goodes, however, would not identify the player saying that he would prefer to focus on the positives of the mediation process.

"Mentioning the player or the club just goes to finger-pointing. What really happened is a good story of someone saying something in the heat of the moment, which happens, me reporting it, mediation, and a good, positive result."

Barry Hall steps down as co-captain of Sydney after meeting with the Swans leadership group citing a need to focus on returning to form after a disappointing season as the reason for his decision.

"It would have been the easy decision and a cop out to stay captain," said Hall. "I still want to perform to my maximum and this is the first step towards being able to do that. I need to put a lot of time into myself to get myself right. I'm getting on now and the body's not as resilient and easily able to do things like it used to."

Following Halls resignation, skipper Leo Barry declares his endorsement of dual Brownlow medallist Adam Goodes as the ideal replacement for Hall in the Swans' three captain policy. "The way he conducts himself on and off the ground is really good. And he's definitely one of the guys that's improved in all areas over the last few seasons," Barry said of Goodes.