Goodes will line up for his 341st game this weekend, breaking the record for the most games played by an Indigenous footballer, previously held by Adelaide Crows great Andrew McLeod at 340.
Speaking to sydneyswans.com.au, McLeod said he couldn’t think of a better person to take over the mantle as the Indigenous games record holder.
“It’s a fantastic effort for Goodesy, who is a good friend of mine as well,” McLeod said.
“He’s had a fantastic career so far.
“While I haven’t played with him, it’s always nice to watch other brothers doing really well.
“He’s one of those magical players who every time he steps onto the field you know he’s going to produce something incredible, and he’s done that more times than not over his career.”
Goodes has enjoyed an illustrious 16-year career in the AFL, winning two premierships, two Brownlow Medals, three Bob Skilton Medals, the AFL Rising Star, and has been named All-Australian on four occasions.
He also holds the club record for most games played and was this year named Australian of the Year for his achievements within the Indigenous and Torres Strait Islander community.
“I think he’s a wonderful player, and in terms of his accolades and what he’s achieved, more so as a role model, he’s a great advocate for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people,” McLeod said.
“He’s just such a warm and friendly person and is very humble, and it’s just so good that he’s been able to play for as long as he has.
“When you look at people who have been able to play footy or have been successful in any area, to have been doing it for so long and to stand the test of time is one of the things that stands out about him.
“He’s stood the test of time and has applied himself really well, and I couldn’t be prouder to see what he’s done.”
While this weekend’s honour marks yet another milestone for the 34-year-old, McLeod believes that Goodes still had plenty left to achieve on the football field.
McLeod revealed that he had spoken to Goodes about playing on next season when the pair travelled to Ireland for last year’s International Rules series.
“We were in Ireland late last year for the International Rules and it sort of came up in conversation,” he said.
“He was having some trouble with his knee and he was hoping to get over that.
“It was myself and a couple of other Swannies’ legends in Micky O (Michael O’Loughlin) and Tadhg Kennelly and we were all urging him to play as long as he could and for him to keep on going.
“I think where Sydney are at as a team, they are in a great position and have an opportunity, and that ‘premiership window’ that everyone talks about is well and truly open.
“So we told him to keep playing as long he can, particularly while that’s going on.”
First and foremost, McLeod said he hoped to see Goodes reach the 350-game milestone this season, which could occur in the first week of the 2014 finals series, should the Swans qualify and Goodes play every match in the lead up.
“It will definitely be great to see him play 350 games if the old body can get through the next nine games,” he said.
“But if he can hopefully play on for a few more years it will be terrific to see.”
