How many games did Adam Goodes play in his first year of football at the Swans?

It’s a question that Goodes’ great mate and fellow Swans 300-gamer Michael O’Loughlin rates as a pretty good trivia question for footy buffs in years to come.

The answer, surprisingly, is zero.

It may seem hard to believe that Goodes, who has since played 303 games and won two Brownlow Medals, could have been left on the sidelines in his first season with the Swans.

But it’s these humble beginnings that make Goodes’ 304th record-breaking game this weekend all the more special to the player, his family and the football club.

“A lot of people have got to remember that Adam didn’t play his first year, so what I’m really proud of is the hard work he’s put in,” O’Loughlin said today.

“A lot of people think that he’s had that natural ability, and yes he’s had some great traits, but to become captain - they don’t just give that out to anybody - and the respect of his team mates is something he has strived to get.

“I think the whole club is proud of him, our family is proud of him, and he’s obviously one of the greats.”

On Sunday, Goodes will break O’Loughlin’s record 303 games for the Swans in the team’s round five clash with the Hawks in Launceston, Tasmania.

Goodes said the fact he is overtaking O’Loughlin’s club milestone makes the event a momentous occasion for both players.

“I break Michael’s record which is a fantastic effort from Michael, and to have played most of those games with him, about 280 I think, is as amazing thing for both of us,” he said.

“To have two players who have played over 300 games for his football club and in the same era is quite remarkable.

“Also the closeness between us as brothers, cousins and team mates makes it just a special moment.

“When you look back at those things … you get a nice fuzzy feeling in your tummy, and it’s really nice to be able to share it with Michael.”

Despite what many would believe now, Goodes said that being a professional footballer didn’t always come easily for him, particularly in his first year in the game.

“My first year was a big learning curve for me,” he said.

“Obviously I came up straight after high school and had never really played against men before, so that first year was a real eye opener for me to know what was required to be a professional athlete."

But in his second season at the Swans, Goodes said he was able to find his place and a home in Sydney.

“It was that next pre-season when I committed to becoming a professional athlete, and to actually be in Sydney for as long as it takes,” he said.

“Home was good, but I knew that there was something bigger out there for me and I had some great role models here for me. I had Mick O’Loughlin, Troy Cook and Robbie Ahmat, so I really felt like I was part of something.

“I had family back home but felt like I was part of a new family at the Swans and there is no doubt that I’ve made it my home now.”

Team success has always been the priority for the talented footballer, with the player rating club achievements over his own accolades.

Despite winning two Brownlow Medals and three Club Champion awards, Goodes said the club’s long-awaited premiership in 2005 was still the highlight of his football career.

“Obviously we play to win premierships, there’s no doubt about that,” he said.

“(The 2005 premiership) is etched in my memory forever.

“Those sorts of things are why we play football, that’s why I’m still running around now because I believe we have a great opportunity at this footy club to win another premiership while I’m still here.

“That premiership (in 2005) was the highlight and it will continue to be my highlight until we are lucky enough to get there again.”

And after more than a decade at the Swans, and with a contract until the end of 2013, Goodes thinks he still has more to give both on and off the field at the Swans.

“I still think I can improve as a player, some people might think that’s a bit silly, but I think I can improve,” he said.

“It’s the reason I rock up on day one of pre-season, to get better. I still reckon I can get better and I reckon I can help other people get better, so that’s why I’m here.”