Adam Goodes made an emotional return to the Sydney Cricket Ground on Saturday night, joining fellow Swans legends in commemorating the club’s iconic 2005 AFL premiership victory. It was a poignant moment for fans, many of whom had long awaited the sight of the beloved dual Brownlow medallist back on the field—this time, as a guest of honour rather than a player.
At 45 years old, Goodes was joined by coach Paul Roos and other Swans heroes including Barry Hall, Michael O’Loughlin, Tadhg Kennelly, and Jude Bolton. Together, they retraced the steps of glory from Swans HQ to the SCG, leading into the club’s Round 12 clash against Adelaide. The walk was symbolic—celebrating the four-point win over West Coast that broke a 72-year premiership drought.
“Goodsey! That has made my night. So good to see him back at the club!” wrote one fan, echoing the joy across thousands of supporters. Another added: “Sensational! So pleased to see all of them but particularly Goodesy.”
The crowd erupted with nostalgia and pride as Goodes and his former teammates relived their historic moment, lifting the 2005 premiership cup once more. For many fans, seeing Goodes smile and reconnect with the club marked a moment of healing, reflection, and pure celebration.
Despite his extraordinary record of 372 games, two Brownlow Medals, and two premierships, Goodes’ final years in the AFL were marred by racial abuse. In 2013, he called out a young Collingwood supporter who called him an “ape”—a moment that drew both support and vitriol. “I don’t blame her,” Goodes said at the time, urging compassion. Yet, the backlash was relentless, with opposition fans booing him regularly.
The fallout led Goodes to withdraw from public AFL life. He skipped the 2015 Grand Final and declined an AFL Hall of Fame induction in 2021. Since retiring, he’s focused on his GO Foundation alongside Michael O’Loughlin, promoting education for Indigenous youth.
But Saturday night brought a new chapter. Goodes, relaxed and beaming, greeted fans and shared moments with Jason Ball and Luke Ablett. The SCG, once a place of both triumph and pain, became a stage of recognition and respect.
Across Instagram, X, and Facebook, fans poured out their love. “We’ve missed you Goodsey,” one wrote. Another shared: “So awesome to see the great man up close again!!”
Unfortunately, the night didn’t deliver a fairy tale ending on the field. After an opening goal from Hayden McLean, the Swans struggled, conceding 12 unanswered goals to trail Adelaide by 65 points at halftime. As Fox Footy’s Anthony Hudson said, “Dean Cox has a massive headache. His Sydney Swans…have managed a meagre one goal.”
Even Paul Roos joked during the halftime ceremony, “I thought these (2005) blokes might have brought their boots, get them back out there.” The Swans sparked briefly in the third term, but the Crows, led by former Swan Matthew Nicks, regained dominance.
Still, the true takeaway was not the scoreline, but the reunion. The 2005 premiership team reminded fans of a time when heart and resilience defined the Swans. And Adam Goodes, once again embraced by his club and fans, reminded everyone why he remains a symbol of courage, grace, and Australian sporting greatness.
