Sydney Swans star Adam Goodes has a spring in his step ahead of his 18th season in the red and white.
Goodes, now a 351-game veteran, labelled himself fit and available for Sunday’s NAB Challenge match against Fremantle at Drummoyne Oval.
The knee issues which plagued the start of Goodes’ 2014 campaign are now gone while a modified program has him feeling “fitter, faster and stronger” than this time 12 months ago.
“I’m feeling great,” he said, during a visit to Ferncourt Public School, Marrickville, as part of the club’s school blitz.
“The program we’ve got worked out for me now, not running pre-Christmas and a slow build up, has worked and been proven in the last five years and we’ve stuck to that.
“It’s been nice to have no hiccups. Last year there were still a few little issues with the knee but I definitely feel a lot stronger and confident in it.”
Goodes’ uninterrupted summer has seen him trim down and soar to familiar heights.
“There’s no doubt it has helped me move a little bit better across the ground,” he said.
“I’m three kilograms lighter than I was last year as well so that definitely helps with the load on the knees.
“It’s nice to be able to jump up in the air, which I haven’t been able to do for a few years.”
The trouble-free preparation could also see Goodes enjoy some time further up the ground.
Goodes, who has kicked 439 goals during his career, said putting hands up for different roles has been a theme amongst the playing group.
“I’ve always been open to playing whatever role the team needs me to play,” he said.
“I’m looking forward to putting my best foot forward in that case because I just don’t want to pigeonhole myself as a forward player.
“Like all our players this pre-season we’ve been telling them to be open to the idea of playing many different roles…that’s what we need out there.”
Goodes was joined by Lance Franklin, Jarrad McVeigh, Tom Derickx and Jake Lloyd in the 29-man squad which is preparing to take on the Dockers.
The Swans and Dockers will be competing for the “Pride Cup” on Sunday, as part of an AFL-backed initiative to promote diversity and inclusion.
The annual “Redkite Cup” is also up for grabs.
