High praise for Indigenous icon Goodes

By James Matthey

Despite a CV reading dual Brownlow Medallist, two-time premiership winner and four-time All Australian, some of Adam Goodes’ best work occurs off the field.

The Swans stalwart drew high praise from teammate Dan Hannebery, who could not speak highly enough of Goodes’ contribution to the Sydney club.

“Adam Goodes, you only have to say his name and you realise the impact he’s had on the footy club,” said Hannebery.

“He’s been here for a number of years and he’s a real leader in the team, but he also helps the young guys coming through and makes sure they’re all doing the right things, and if they’ve got any issues or problems on or off the field he’s always there to help.

“It’s not just what he does on the field with the way he goes about his footy and what he’s done, 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.

“He’s just a great example of what hard work and persistence does and hopefully he can stay around for another couple of years.”

It is fitting that Hannebery highlighted Goodes’ importance and standing within the game ahead of a round that celebrates the nation’s Indigenous culture and the role of Indigenous Australians in shaping AFL.

There is no person more worthy of celebrating than Goodes, who has been an excellent role model through his extensive work within Indigenous communities.

In 2009, he formed the Goodes O’Loughlin Foundation with former Swans legend Michael O’Loughlin, which advocates for better access to education in the hope of providing future career paths for Indigenous Australians.

Goodes is also the chairman of the Indigenous Player Advisory Board, which is currently developing a formal set of guidelines to help AFL clubs deal with Indigenous players within their ranks.

Hannebery said Goodes’ attitude and performance is an inspiration to all of the Swans players.

“He’s running as well as he ever has and I think it’s a real credit to him, he’s worked really hard in the pre-season to get his knee right.

“He’s running on top of the ground, and it gives us confidence as other midfielders to see him doing that.

“When you see him setting the tone you want to jump on board so let’s hope he can keep going the way he has been over the last couple of weeks.”

The Swans will be part of opening the festivities of the Indigenous Round when they do battle with Collingwood in the first match of the weekend at 7:50pm at the MCG on Friday May 24.