AFL: Sydney Swans to leave it up to dual Brownlow medallist Adam Goodes on whether he attends more games

Adam Goodes’ presence at Saturday’s Swans premiership reunion was widely celebrated but what does it mean for his future football involvement?

Adam Goodes was among the 2012 Swans premiership heroes who completed a lap of honour at the SCG on Saturday. Picture: Getty Images

Sydney coach John Longmire won’t place any pressure on Adam Goodes to turn up to more Swans games after he ended his football exile at Saturday’s 10-year premiership reunion.

Goodes was expected to miss the event because of another engagement but joined fellow 2012 flag heroes Dan Hannebery, Shane Mumford, Ted Richards, Jude Bolton and others in a pre-game lap of honour at the SCG.

The 42-year-old’s public return was a welcome sight after he had distanced himself from football since retiring in 2015, after being incessantly booed in his final seasons.

It remains to be seen how significant Goodes’ appearance will be, given he chose not to attend recent Brownlow Medal functions and also rejected the chance to be inducted into the Australian Football Hall of Fame.

Adam Goodes had a difficult time at the end of his brilliant AFL career. Picture: AFL Media

“We speak to Adam a fair bit, so it was more about, from a public perspective, coming to the game,” Longmire said.

“We have a good relationship with Adam, so it was great to see him at the footy and good to see him with his mates. He will come when he wants to come to the footy.

“He’s got a lot going on in his life at the moment. He’s got a couple of little kids and he’s enjoying that. He had a great time with the boys at the weekend, which was fantastic to see.”

Sydney’s 2012 premiership players, except for current members Josh Kennedy, Luke Parker and Sam Reid, formed a guard of honour for the Swans as they ran out for Saturday’s clash with Gold Coast.

Adam Goodes (right) and 2012 premiership teammate Alex Johnson share a moment during Saturday’s 10-year reunion. Picture: Getty Images

The Suns spoiled the party with a surprise 14-point defeat, which was the second time in three years they have won at the Sydney venue.

“It was great to see them. We were really fortunate there are a lot (of players) still in Sydney,” Longmire said.

“There were a lot that we haven’t seen for quite a few years, so it was great to catch up with them and it would have been great to have a really good, strong game and finish off on a better note than what we did.

“But it was terrific to see those premiership players.”

Goodes played 372 matches for the Swans, winning two premierships, two Brownlow Medals and three club best and fairest awards, as well as being named an All-Australian four times.

Originally published as AFL: Sydney Swans to leave it up to dual Brownlow medallist Adam Goodes on whether he attends more games