Sydney Swans champion Adam Goodes’ achievements both on and off the field were recognised at the 2013 Deadly Awards, which were held at the Sydney Opera House on Tuesday night.

The Swans veteran took out one of the highest honours of the night when he was awarded the Ella Award for Lifetime Achievement in Sport for his many feats throughout a 14-year AFL career, including his two Brownlow Medals and his position as games record holder at the Sydney Swans.

The Ella Award also highlighted Goodes’ efforts to stamp out racism, including his role as one of the faces behind the Human Rights Commission’s campaign ‘Racism: It Stops With Me’, as well as his actions in the opening game of this year’s Indigenous Round at the MCG.

In front of a capacity crowd at the Opera House, members of the champion sporting Ella family presented Goodes with the award, and described the 33-year-old of as ‘a leader of our time’.

“The Ella Award for Lifetime Achievement in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Sport recognizes excellence and achievement on and off the field – an award that marks our leaders in sport, singles them out and says you have set a national example for others to follow,” Marcia Ella-Duncan said.

“An Aboriginal man that has stood up to be counted, standing tall against racism, and setting an example in the tradition of the great Nicky Winmar.”

Upon receiving the honour, Goodes said the Deadly Awards represented two things his loves – footy and being proud of who he is.

Goodes also took out the 2013 AFL Player of the Year award ahead of Lance Franklin, Cyril Rioli, Eddie Betts and Lewis Jetta.

The Deadly Awards recognise the contribution of Aboriginal and Torres Straight Islanders in Australian society and showcase outstanding achievement and excellence across the fields of music, sport, entertainment and community.