Swans champion Adam Goodes has expressed a deep appreciation for the outpouring of support from the entire AFL community in the wake of the booing controversy which forced the dual Brownlow Medallist to take time away from football.
Goodes, who returned to the Club on Tuesday, felt “incredibly humbled” by the support shown not only by Swans supporters but by opposition players and clubs during Round 18 matches across the competition.
The 35-year-old, who spent time with family for most of the week, managed to watch Saturday’s game against Adelaide and was especially overwhelmed by the scenes at the SCG.
“It was incredible,” Goodes said.
“Our supporters here at the Swans were absolutely amazing on the weekend. It would have been nice to be at the SCG to experience it all. Speaking to a few of the players, they said the atmosphere out there was incredible.
“It was a very humbling experience to see the different things that our football club did, that other football clubs did and other players did to show their support. The support from the AFL industry has been something that is not surprising because in the AFL we do look after our own extremely well.
“I felt very loved over the weekend.
“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.”
Goodes’ return to Club “felt like the first day back at school” such is his refreshed frame of mind ahead of the weekend’s clash against Geelong.
The three-time Bob Skilton Medal winner and four-time All Australian was looking forward to putting recent events behind him in favour of focusing on the last five rounds of the season.
“The last week, there’s been a lot of discussion. A lot of it I haven’t read, but obviously been involved in before,” Goodes said.
“I’m really hoping those discussions are behind us now and we can all move on.
“For me, it’s about going out there and playing football and whether this is my last year or not, I really want to be able to go out there and enjoy the last five games of the season and another finals campaign and see what happens.
“That’s my job, that’s what I love doing, that’s the way I really love to express myself and I’m really looking forward to doing that on the weekend.”
Goodes is expected to be selected for game 366 when the Swans take on Geelong at Simons Stadium on Saturday night.