‘We’ve missed you’: Adam Goodes back at the SCG

The Sydney Swans celebrated a 20-year AFL premiership reunion on Saturday night and all eyes were on one man at the SCG.

Adam Goodes made a welcome return to the SCG on Saturday night as the Sydney Swans celebrated their 2005 premiership triumph.

Goodes, 45, coach Paul Roos and members of the team that won the drought-breaking flag against West Coast two decades ago marched from Swans HQ to the SCG ahead of the round 12 match against Adelaide.

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While the current team suffered a horror 90-point loss to Adelaide, Barry Hall, Michael O’Loughlin, Tadhg Kennelly and Jude Bolton were in attendance as the club saluted the four-point win over the Eagles that ended 72 years of South Melbourne and Sydney Swans pain.

But Goodes was the biggest name and the ex-player fans were most thrilled to welcome back to the famous old ground.

Watch some of the parade in the video player above

Jason Ball, Adam Goodes and Luke Ablett march to the SCG. (Photo by Phil Hillyard)

Goodes (centre) talks to former teammates at the ground. (Photo by Mark Evans/AFL Photos/via Getty Images)

The Swans were belted by a rampant Crows side, 21.5 (131) to 5.11 (41), as coach Dean Cox’s worries grow.

But the return of the 2005 side, and especially Goodes, kept the hearts warm for plenty of Sydney fans.

The two-time Brownlow medallist played 372 games for the Swans, a club record, among a swag of honours before he retired in 2015.

The closing years of his career were mired in controversy, however, stemming from his move to call out a young Collingwood fan that had called him an “ape” during a game in 2013.

Despite Goodes calling for support for the girl in the aftermath, it was the tipping point of a dark period for the sport, when the champion was regularly booed by opposition supporters whenever he took to the field.

Goodes has largely stayed out of the footy spotlight in retirement, turning down an invitation to the 2015 grand final and the chance to join the AFL Hall of Fame in 2021.

Goodes and Tadhg Kennelly hold up the 2005 premiership cup.

Goodes, seen here at this year’s Australian Open, has largely kept a low profile. (Photo by Kelly Defina/Getty Images)

So the appearance of a smiling Goodes, greeting fans and seemingly relishing being back among his old teammates, thrilled scores of Swans fans watching on.

There were countless comments on the official Sydney Swans page on Instagram as the club toasted a team that will forever live in history.

“Goodsey! That has made my night. So good to see him back at the club!” was one comment.

“Sensational! So pleased to see all of them but particularly Goodesy,” wrote another.

“Marvellous to see the boys together again. Thrilled to see Goodsey, you’re always welcome,” said a third.

“Love that Goodsey went. Bloody legends!” said a fourth.

Another wrote simply: “We’ve missed you Goodsey.”

There were similar sentiments on X, with one fan writing: “Adam Goodes joining the rest of the 2005 team in the walk to the SCG is so wonderful to see.”

Another wrote: “So awesome to see the great man up close again!!”

Sadly for Goodes, the 2005 team and the fans in attendance, the current Swans did not come to the party.

After Sydney kicked the opening goal of the game through Hayden McLean, the Crows responded with a stunning 12 unanswered majors to power to a 65-point lead at halftime.

Goodes and Michael O'Loughlin have focused on their GO Foundation charity. Picture: Supplied

A famous image of Goodes after the Swan’s 2012 flag. Picture: Wayne Taylor

The Swans are battling a tough season under first year coach Cox, while the Crows – under former Swan Matthew Nicks – appear primed for a top-four run in 2025.

“What a quarter and what a half from the Adelaide Crows,” Anthony Hudson said on Fox Footy at the long break.

“They put up 12 goals, but Dean Cox has a massive headache.

“His Sydney Swans, on a night when they’re celebrating past triumphs, have managed a meagre one goal.”

As Paul Roos said during the halftime celebration: “I thought these (2005) blokes might have brought their boots, get them back out there.”

Perhaps inspired by the halftime parade, the Swans hit back to start the third term before the Crows regained control.

In the end, Adelaide cruised to the 90-point thrashing, with Swans fans left dreaming of moments like that decider 20 years ago.

Originally published as ‘We’ve missed you’: Adam Goodes back at the SCG