Adam Goodes returns to Sydney Swans training, describes support as ‘incredibly

The NSW parliament has unanimously backed a motion to condemn the “relentless booing” of AFL player Adam Goodes.

Goodes will play his 366th game in Geelong on Saturday, the equal eighth-most in VFL/AFL history.

Speaking to AFL TV on Tuesday before returning to training, Goodes said he appreciated the support from his team, the AFL and the Australian public. But as he crossed paths with teammates, most in one way or another acknowledged Goodes’ return after a tumultuous period since he was harassed by the crowd in Perth, another peak in a shameful saga of taunting directed at the former Australian of the Year.

‘I think those discussions needed to be had, and I am really hopeful that those discussions are behind us now and we can all move on, ‘ he said.

Goodes spent time with family for most of the week.

Though we don’t yet know whether Goodes will be playing the weekend’s round 19 match against Geelong, it’s incredible news considering there were fears he was going to walk away from the game altogether.

“I’m extremely excited to be back at the club, training with the players, I felt like the first day back at school today walking into the rooms”.

“It would have been nice to be at the SCG to experience it all”.

The booing has been branded racist by politicians and players alike, but spectators say it is motivated by their antipathy to the 365-game veteran.

‘Whether this is my last year or not, I really want to be able to go out there and enjoy the last five games of the season and another finals campaign and see what happens.’.

‘…it was a very humbling experience to see the different things our football club did, that other football clubs and the AFL did and other players took upon themselves to show their support.

‘I really want to focus on my football and really enjoy that side of it again.’.

Goodes expressed his gratitude for outpouring of support over the weekend after his team came onto the ground for the match against Adelaide through a banner that was me blazoned with the word: “RESPECT”.

‘I felt very loved over the weekend.’.

“The fans have been absolutely wonderful”, Goodes told the club website.

“He happily gave up his own time for me to have a one on one training session with him… if you could only meet Adam you would know that he is a kind, genuine person”.