IN part 2 of Goodesy’s Great Adventure, he discusses his trip to Ireland as part of Australia’s International Rules team.
After his visit to Sri Lanka in the name of reconciliation, Goodes returned to Australia to join his new teammates as part of the Australian International Rules team.
When Goodes arrived in Melbourne for training - where he was reunited with Swans and Australian teammates Jarrad McVeigh and Kieren Jack - he was greeted by Australian coach Mick Malthouse.
“The first time I saw Mick Malthouse he pulled me aside and asked if I wanted to be captain, and I thought what a huge honour that would be and of course I said yes,” Goodes said.
“I really just looked at the group of blokes we had in the team and it was a young and exciting bunch of players, and they were all keen to have a good time and have some success over in Ireland,” he said.
Though one of the game’s most decorated players, and having represented Australia in 2001, Goodes says there was great incentive to embark on the tour of Ireland.
“I have never been to Ireland and always wanted to play the series again, but haven’t been able to put my hand up in recent years due to injury and various other circumstances.”
“Just to be part of that atmosphere of being around other professional athletes and learning how they go about their business, I thought was a great opportunity for myself, and fellow Swans Macca and Kizza,” he said.
The Ireland series proved to be a great success for Goodes, not only captaining the side to the Cormack McAnallen Trophy, but also striking up new friendships with players from rival clubs such as Dane Swan and Sam Gilbert.
“Having played in two Grand Final’s, they’d only just finished footy a few weeks earlier, but still showed their passion for playing the game and having a good time,” he said.
Following official tour duties, Goodes spent a week driving through Ireland, and paid a visit to teammate Tadhg Kennelly as he enjoyed some time at home with his family and friends.
In part 3 of Goodesy’s Great Adventure tomorrow, Goodes returns to Australia and to the training track…
Missed part one? You can read it here
