ADAM Goodes' exploits on the football field – two Brownlow Medals, four All Australian guernseys, two premiership medallions and three best and fairest awards among them – are well known.
But, on the eve of the AFL's Indigenous Round, one of his teammates believes Goodes' performance off the field has been even more impressive.
Dan Hannebery, who has played alongside Goodes since 2009, was effusive in his praise for one of two Swans named in the AFL's Indigenous Team of the Century.
Goodes' great friend Michael O'Loughlin is the other.
"Adam Goodes, all you have to do is say his name and you realise the impact he's had on the footy club," Hannebery said.
"He's a leader of the team, but he also helps the young guys coming through and makes sure they're all doing the right things.
"If they've got any issues on or off the field, he's always there to help.
"It's not just about what he's done on the field, which has been unbelievable, but it's more about how he goes about it off the field and how he sets the tone for the culture of the footy club.
"He's just a great example of what hard work and persistence does."
Goodes is an active member of the indigenous community, but the 33-year-old – who has been used heavily in the AFL's marketing of Indigenous Round – has previously admitted he took time embracing his heritage.
This year's marketing campaign revolves around St Kilda great Nicky Winmar's famous incident from 1993, when he lifted his guernsey and pointed to his skin at the conclusion of a game against Collingwood.
Goodes concedes that moment failed to impact on him as a youngster.
"At the time it didn’t really mean much to me to be honest," Goodes told sydneyswans.com.au.
“I was 13 and playing soccer in Adelaide and … once I started playing footy and started to establish myself in the game I realised, looking back on history, that certain things had made a difference.
"Not just in football but for our people as well.
“It was just one of those statements that made me think ‘You know what? I should really be proud about my heritage, my culture and who I am’.
"That’s what Nicky Winmar did that day and that photo is a very proud moment for all indigenous people.”
He may have taken time to fully embrace his background, but Goodes now stands unquestioned as a role model of high regard in all circles.
Essendon ruckman Paddy Ryder, for example, was asked on Fox Footy this week to name his most admired Indigenous player.
"I've got two; Buddy Franklin and I can't go past Adam Goodes," Ryder said.
"Growing up, he (Goodes) has been the one I've looked up to the most and he's a leader to all of us."
As strong as he's been off the field, the 327-game veteran is also still contributing enormously on it.
"He's running as well as he ever has," Hannebery said.
"It's a real credit to him. He's worked really hard in the pre-season to get his knee right (which he hurt in last year's Grand Final) and he's now running on top of the ground.
"It gives us great confidence as other midfielders. When you see him setting the tone, you want to jump on board.
"Let's hope he can keep going the way he has been the last couple of weeks."
James Dampney is a reporter for AFL.com.au. Follow him on Twitter: @AFL_JD
