Former Swans star Adam Goodes has made a rare public appearance at the football, joining his 2012 premiership teammates for a lap of honour at the SCG on Saturday.
The two-time Brownlow Medallist has distanced himself from the game since relentless booing pushed him out of the game in 2015.
Earlier this week it was reported by The Age that Goodes would not take part in the Swans’ official 10-year premiership reunion because of a prior commitment, but spectators were amazed to see the four-time All Australian join his teammates ahead of Sydney’s 14-point loss to the Gold Coast.
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Goodes has brushed off AFL occasions since the league failed to stand with him during the horrid booing saga which spanned more than two years. These include appearances at the 2015 grand final parade for retired players and subsequent Brownlow Medal count.
The 42-year-old also declined an offer to be inducted into the AFL Hall of Fame last year.
“It’s splendid to see (Goodes at the SCG), and reaffirms the notion he is not disenfranchised with the Sydney Swans in any way,” Gerard Whateley said on AFL Nation.
“His reluctance is with anything to do with an AFL endorsed function or from headquarters.”
Asked to recall events from the second of his two AFL premierships, Goodes was a bit foggy on the details.
“It’s a bit blurry, to be honest. But I was reliving it a little bit last night with the boys,” he said.
“It’s great to be here and seeing the fans that were there 10 years ago.”
All but three members of Swans’ most recent flag were in attendance – just missing three players in Jarrad McVeigh, Rhyce Shaw (both present but not part of the on-field formalities) and Ryan O’Keefe due to coaching commitments.
Only three players of that 2012 premiership side are still part of the current Swans squad – Josh Kennedy, Sam Reid and Luke Parker as the grand final sub.
The team completed a lap of honour around the ground before linking arms to form a guard of honour to welcome the current Swans’ outfit onto the field for their round eight clash.
“A few of them I haven’t seen for a while,” coach John Longmire said.
“Good to have them back here. They are really supportive of what we do.
“They love seeing the young boys play – it brings back some good memories.”
Premiership player Nick Malceski said seeing the group together made it seem like no time had passed between catch-ups.
“It’s unbelievable to see guys I haven’t seen for eight years,” he told Fox Footy.
“To see them, it’s like we were playing yesterday.”
The Suns held on against a determined Swans outfit to hand the side their
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