Adam Goodes says he doesn’t regret Australian of the Year speech or taking a stand against racism in AFL

ADAM Goodes is approaching life after football in the same way he played — head on. The dual Brownlow medallist says he’s had no second thoughts about his Australia Day speech and the backlash he copped after speaking out against racial abuse.

Three legends of the Sydney Swans (from left) Michael O'Loughlin, Lance Franklin and Adam Goodes at the SCG. Picture. Phil Hillyard

ADAM Goodes is approaching life after football in the same way he played — head on.

The dual Brownlow Medal winner says he has had no second thoughts about his Australian of the Year speech in 2014 and the backlash he copped after speaking out against racial abuse.

In a wide-ranging interview with Bruce McAvaney which will be aired tonight on 7mate’s Friday Night Football, Goodes teamed up with fellow indigenous greats Lance Franklin and Michael O’Loughlin to talk about their heritage, leadership, football and the difficulties Goodes faced.

“When I reflect on it I wouldn’t change a thing,” Goodes said.

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“I’m very happy in my life, I’ve been out of the game Two-and-a-half years … I’m glad in a way that it landed on my shoulders. With my upbringing and the way I was able to start the conversation was difficult and there will be more difficult times ahead and I definitely wouldn’t change a thing.”

Goodes’ last two years in the game were marred by continuous booing from rival fans which intensified after his Australian of the Year Award in 2014. But the 38-year-old disclosed the accolade turned out to be a pivotal moment in more ways than one.

“I met my wife, who is a producer, on the filming for the Australian of the Year show,” Goodes said. “So if I didn’t do that I might be a single man.”

Three legends of the Sydney Swans: Michael O'Loughlin, Lance Franklin and Adam Goodes at the SCG. Picture: Phil Hillyard

The Swans and Carlton will kick off the Sir Doug Nicholls indigenous Round at the SCG with Franklin at centre stage.

This week Leigh Matthews, widely regarded as the greatest player ever, declared Buddy the best footballer of his time.

Franklin has continued to rewrite the record books since moving from Hawthorn to Sydney at the end of 2013. He has now kicked 882 goals in his 14 seasons in the AFL and needs another 34 goals to overtake Matthews and move into eighth place on the list of the game’s greatest goalscorers.

Franklin isn’t known for being very vocal outside the club but Goodes says his leadership is undeniable, comparing him with one of Sydney’s greatest captains, Paul Kelly.

“Any time a player can dominate a game of football they are a leader before they open their mouth,” Goodes said.

“One of the greatest leaders I’ve played for was Paul Kelly. He did his talking on the field, the way he trained the way he played. When we got two words out of Paul Kelly we knew we had to do something and lift.

“Lance is a fantastic leader in that what he does on the field inspires so many of our people in a way that you can only see when you go out to the communities. Kids who aren’t even left-footers try to kick goals from the boundary, that to me is what a great leader is, someone who inspires these kids to emulate. For me it’s not about coming out and being the voice it’s what you do on the football field.

“The best advice I got from some smart people: If you want to be a leader be the best at what you are good at.”

Lance Franklin of the Swans celebrates another goal.

Franklin’s professionalism and competitiveness is often undersold, as is his commitment to being a role model to young Australians.

“Definitely (I enjoy being a role model),” Franklin said.

“It comes with being an AFL player. Five or six years ago I had the chance to go to Darwin with Cyril Rioli. We went out bush and saw these kids with No. 23 on their backs and for me that brought such a big smile to my face. It was a great opportunity to give back and see these kids. It’s a responsibility on my shoulders to do my people proud and something that I love.”

After finishing his outstanding 303-game career in 2009, O’Loughlin is looking to become a role model off the field. He is the managing director and founder of CMC indigenous Services, a very successful cleaning and property maintenance company.

“What the next impact we are going to have is about being business owners and being successful at it,” O’Loughlin said.

“We don’t see a lot of successful Aboriginal businessmen on television. You don’t see that, you see guys kicking footballs. Having role models and examples of successful non-sporting men and women is really important to our people.”

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Originally published as Adam Goodes says he doesn’t regret Australian of the Year speech or taking a stand against racism in AFL