Once again, he’s got the Goodes

A dual Premiership player with the Swans, Goodes boasts many of the games highest honours.

A winner of two Brownlow Medals, three Bob Skilton Medals as the Sydney Swans Best and Fairest player, four times an All-Australian, a Ron Evans Medal winner as the AFL’s best rising star in his debut year, a member of the AFL’s Indigenous Team of the Century, as well as being Australian of the Year in 2014, Goodes this week, is set to break the record for the most number of AFL games played by an Indigenous person, set by Adelaide Crows superstar, Andrew McLeod.

“It’s a huge honour,” said Goodes.

“Andrew McLeod is a very good friend of mine.”

McLeod himself acknowledged the achievement earlier in the week, suggesting that Goodes is an ornament to the Australian game.

“It’s a fantastic effort. He’s such a great role model to all of our people. I couldn’t be any happier for him and I hope there are many more to come,” McLeod said.

As the Swans travel to Perth to face the Eagles on Sunday afternoon, Goodes’ focus remains on the job at hand, rather than his outstanding achievement.
“It’s a pretty special occasion… a huge moment but I haven’t really thought about it too much,” said Goodes.

Aiming for their eleventh straight win, the Swans have sharpened their focus towards the back end of the year, and will be formidable opponents to any side come September.

However, Goodes acknowledges there is still a mountain of work ahead of the Swans in the depths of the season.

“There’s still things that we need to keep improving on if we want to be a really great team,” said Goodes.

“As nice as it is to win 10 in a row, its just another game this week where we can go out and improve on those areas where we want to get better in.”
Goodes has received significant media attention throughout the season regarding his playing future beyond this year.

However, the Sydney superstar is more focussed on the 2014 Season, and has refused to make a decision until the end of the year.

“I’m definitely enjoying my football more than I ever have, that’s for sure.
“I’m just enjoying being out there, and enjoying winning, and enjoying being able to contribute.

“I can still improve my match fitness. I’d like to play a bit more in the midfield no doubt, but our midfield is a really tough one to break into, which is fantastic challenge for me. I think I can continue working harder and harder as a forward,” Goodes commented.

The Swans will be looking to cement a top two finish, and a home final this weekend, as they travel to Perth to face the West Coast Eagles at Paterson’s Stadium on Sunday afternoon.