SFL 2018: Keysborough champion Ryan Goodes celebrates 300th game in modest style

THEY made a banner for Keysborough’s Ryan “Bomber’’ Goodes on Saturday to celebrate his 300th senior match. Not wanting to be the centre of attention, Goodes refused to run through it.

THEY made a banner for Keysborough onballer Ryan “Bomber’’ Goodes on Saturday to celebrate his 300th senior match.

But, not wanting to be the centre of attention, Goodes refused to run through it.

“I just didn’t want the day to be about me,’’ he said.

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“I’m not really one for that kind of thing. I was a bit embarrassed by it all. ‘Moose’ (Davor Rajic) and Mick Downie made speeches and that was enough.’’

But after a few beers following the match Goodes relented — and breasted the banner in the clubrooms at 10.30pm!

Goodes is 36 and feeling it.

But he could also feel a sense of accomplishment after his 300th, at Rowley Allen Reserve against Caulfield.

Goodes has been a wonderful servant for Keysy since joining them as an assistant coach in 2008.

Ryan Goodes wrestles with Peter Heng last year. Picture: David Crosling.

He was an integral part of the strong Burra teams that pushed into the top rungs of the old Casey Cardinia league, and was appointed senior coach in 2015.

But he’s also a much-loved figure at Clayton, where, after playing juniors at Endeavour Hills and North Dandenong, he made his start in senior football under the coaching of George Jones.

The Clays were young and formidable, winning the 2001 and ‘06 premierships.

In a strong team, Goodes won a best and fairest and was a league representative. He later won the top trophy at Keysy.

Goodes has found a happy home at the Burra.

“Yeah, I love the place, love the whole environment,’’ he said. “I’ll play there until the legs won’t go. It’s a family thing. I love my little boy (Jack) going down there. I love my family going down there. Mum (Gail) does the dinners on a Thursday night with Gayle McLean. Dad (Ken) is always there for a few beers. So I’ll play footy as long as I can.

“They’re hard workers at Keysy. They’re not the best at anything. They just try their hardest, and that’s what resonates with me the most.’’

Goodes delivers a message to his Keysborough troops. Picture: Chris Eastman

Burra coach Matt Ferguson said Goodes had been an inspiring player for a long time.

“He’s selfless, always puts his body on the line, a great leader, makes all his teammates walk taller,’’ Ferguson said. “Everyone at the club hangs off his every word and looks up to him. It’s incredible how much respect he has.’’

He said that while Goodes was renowned for his uncompromising attack on the ball, he was also a smart player.

“Everyone talks about his hardness, but he’s got a great football brain, just his ability to find space and read taps and win clearances,’’ he said.

Goodes has been in good form this season but unfortunately he hurt his groin during the milestone match.

He said he would be “touch and go’’ for finals.

Goodes said it was a thrill to run on to the ground with two-year-old Jack and in front of his partner Rachael.

Keysborough won the match by 31 points.