Sydney games record holder Adam Goodes is returning for his 17th AFL campaign – and it might not be his last.
“I’m certainly not thinking that way,” he told AAP.
The 35-year-old dual Brownlow medallist, who was still recovering from a knee injury this time last year, is feeling fit and hasn’t ruled out playing past 2015.
But his main goal this season is to atone for the Swans’ bitterly disappointing 63-point grand final loss to Hawthorn.
“We played our worst brand of football for a long time… it no doubt motivated the group to want to get better,” he said.
The 2014 Australian of the Year said watching a replay of the demolition together turned the team’s heartbreak into pre-season determination.
“I knew we were bad, but I didn’t think we were as bad as what we were, so it was good to have a little bit of closure from that game,” Goodes said.
In 2015, he could become the club’s first triple premiership star, but Goodes denies missing out last year was the reason he couldn’t retire.
“If we had won the premiership I definitely think I would have liked to play again,” he said.
“It’s something that I’ve been able to taste twice before and I’ve now had defeats in two others.”
But getting back on the big stage will be harder with the loss of defender Nick Malceski to Gold Coast.
While Goodes felt the move was disappointing, he said it would give several young guns a chance to move up through the ranks.
“A guy like Dane Rampe took his opportunity when Alex Johnson was out injured,” he said.
“And Jeremy Laidler, who played a fair bit last year, that role has really opened for him if he wants to take it.
“That competition that they help drive, drives us older players to get the best out of ourselves and make sure that we keep improving.”
Jrod
Guest
The poor form he shows this year will hurt the swans, when he plays. He is now an impact player without impact and I think the coach will realise this quickly enough. Just one less spot on the list for someone else. Biggest issue for Sydney this year is buddy. They wouldn't have made gf, possibly even top 4,without him last year. He has two more years at his very peak left so if he doesn't get injured so do Sydney.
Penster
Guest
If his good injury free run continues he should get another reasonable season or 2. I hope I'm there to cheer him the day he does call it quits. A great on and off field leader, a veteran's value of Goodes' calibre is as much behind the scenes.
andyl12
Guest
"If the Swans can reverse the result of last year and win on the last Saturday in September, he will most certainly retire." Don't hold your breath waiting on that. It would defy every piece of historical evidence from the last 20 years if Sydney can win the big one. And anyway, the Grand Final is in October this year.
Michael huston
Guest
I would hope that if Goodes' form isn't up to the standard required, the coaching staff would treat him equally and drop him if need be, and I would have faith that he would be understanding of that decision. Perhaps he could be a utility on a less regular basis. That is, depending on the opponent, coming into the side to put pressure on a smaller defense, or filling the role of Tippett or Franklin if one of them is injured. Regardless, the age and form of Adam Goodes should be far down on the Swans priority list this season. For me, they need to seriously improve their attitude. We all know that when they're going, they could only be matched by Hawthorn. But as seen in the GF, and the first month of 2014, they can go from one extreme to another, from ruthless and relentless to lethargic and disinterested. The GF effort is either going to make or break the boys. We saw in 2007 when Port got thumped in the GF it sent them on a downward spiral. Just because Sydney have arguably the best list in the comp, it doesn't mean it won't happen to them. Losses like that either make you want to go out there twice as hard or can leave you disheartened. I hope the boys know that it was their effort, not their ability, that lost them the grand final, and that if they can bring that effort, they could very well reap the rewards. Bring on 2015!
Shaun Dyas
Roar Rookie
If the Swans can reverse the result of last year and win on the last Saturday in September, he will most certainly retire. Had the bloods beaten the Hawks last year I feel Goodes would have retired then and there.
Martin
Guest
The body usually tells you when enough is enough, and so because Goodes has had only the one hammy and a knee to deal with over his career his body is not as battle worn as other players who've played 300 games. Longevity comes a lot down to the luck of avoiding serious injury.
Paul D
Roar Guru
So long as he's not taking up much space in the salary cap - and I doubt he is - then there's no reason to push him out. Even having him around the club would be invaluable, you can't buy experience and passion like that. Certainly his decision to play on will depend on injuries - as Olivia says, a serious knee problem and it's probably time to pull stumps.
Olivia Watts
Roar Guru
Adam is my all time favourite Swan and, if nothing else, his shining career has earned him the right to decide for himself when his career can go no further. He won't ever need to be pushed by the coaching staff either; one quiet word from Longmire would see him immediately retire, if he had not realised it for himself that is. I think Goodes is overly optimistic about playing past 2015. It may end up that injury, not form or ability, makes the decision for him. A recurrence of his medial ligament issue will, I believe, immediately bring his career to a close. One thing I do know of the man is this; he will not play on for individual glories but only if he feels he makes the team better by his presence. Whilst he believes that he has my fullest support.
Doc Disnick
Roar Guru
I think we are seeing more and more players decide to retire mid season if they feel they can not contribute anymore. It is also not uncommon to see veterans playing in only 15-16 games a year now. I can see Goodes filling a certain role in the forward line against certain defences. He still has a purpose and when is number is up, Horse will tap in on the shoulder and he will walk honorably I'm sure.
Nonu
Guest
He would seek the coaches advice coz he wouldn't want to be in reserves - he could play as a crumbing forward for 2 years if none of the kids come on BUT not a good way for the Aussie of the year to go out...
Cooksey
Guest
No I think he's still playing his role well and in touch with where hes at as a footballer. Besides, John Longmire has no problem subbing out legends if they're unfit (See Ryan O'Keefe)...
andyl12
Guest
Does Goodes think he's such a protected species that the club will let him play on when his form is well below the standard required? An honourable player knows when their time is up and doesn't keep putting themself before the team.