AFL 2021: Sydney Swans teammates laud Adam Goodes as a club legend after he knocks back Hall of Fame inclusion

Adam Goodes may have knocked back an offer to join the AFL Hall of Fame, but he will always be a legend at the Sydney Swans according to his teammates.

Michael O'Loughlin and Adam Goodes in The Australian Dream.

Retired AFL champion Adam Goodes is “officially a legend” at the Sydney Swans regardless of his decision to knock back an offer to join the league’s Hall of Fame.

It was revealed this week that the two-time Brownlow medallist said no the AFL earlier this year when he was approached with an invitation to be inducted into the Hall of Fame.

On Tuesday AFL Commission chairman Richard Goyder conceded that the league didn’t do enough for Goodes, who was driven from football by racist treatment and remains disconnected from the game.

‘We hope that there will be a time in the future when Adam will want to be connected to the game again. This is a decision for Adam and Adam only and we understand and respect his choice,’ Mr Goyder said.

But Goodes has stayed connected to the Swans, who inducted him into the club’s own Hall of Fame in 2019 and immediately elevated him to “legend” status.

His name is on the medal presented to the best player on the ground in Sydney’s annual Marn Grook game, and he spoke at a function before that match at the SCG last month.,

Former teammate Josh Kennedy said he remained in contact with Goodes, supported his decision not to take the AFL honour, and lauded him as a club legend regardless of his stance.

“On a personal level, as a club we respect Adam’s decision,” Kennedy said on Wednesday.

“He’s a legend of the game, a legend of a teammate and that’s all that matters. In time that stuff will take care of itself.

“He is officially a legend of the Swans football club and he would be of the AFL – whether he wants to accept that or not – in our eyes.

A mural of former AFL player Adam Goodes in Surry Hills, Sydney. Picture: AAP Image/Bianca De Marchi

“I can’t answer that (if he will ever accept the AFL’s Hall of Fame invitation) on behalf of Adam. I don’t know and it’s not my place to say. But it doesn’t change anything in our eyes, he’s an absolute champion.

“He’d know that he holds a strong place in our hearts and everyone who walks through this footy club. I know in my dealings that he’s got a huge connection still with the footy club and the Bloods. I’m sure that will never change.”

Kennedy, a three-time club best and fairest who turns 33 this month, has signed on to play another year in 2022.