DESPITE two premierships, two Brownlow Medals and a swag of other honours, Adam Goodes admits he harboured doubts over his ability to make it back to his top level as he battled a persistent knee issue.
The Sydney Swan will set another milestone this week when he breaks Andrew McLeod's record for games by an indigenous player, with appearance No.341 against West Coast on Sunday.
But it's a record that took a little extra time to arrive as he spent 10 months on the sidelines.
The 34-year-old never had any uncertainty over his ability to play again, but he did question what level he would be able to reach.
"I definitely knew I would (play again)," he told reporters at the SCG on Wednesday.
"I just didn't know how good I'd be or what level I'd get back at.
"It's just been pleasing to get back and still be able to contribute and have my speed and be fit enough to keep up with a lot of these younger guys."
Returning as a substitute against Melbourne back in round six, Goodes naturally showed plenty of rust, but has strung nine straight games together playing mainly in the forward line.
He says his knee will never feel as good as it used to and admits "there are some things I can't do out there".
But he feels he can certainly still contribute to the cause.
"There are some things I can't do out there," he said. "I'm not going to tell everyone what they are.
"But I'm still able to keep my speed, I can still put pressure on that forward line and I can still kick goals.
"I'm just enjoying being out there and playing that role."
Considering the doubts Goodes had about his chances of returning to top form, he is focusing only on enjoying this season, rather than worry yet about the possibility of playing a 17th in 2015.
"I'm just having fun out there," he said.
"It's awesome to be back out there playing. I've had 10 months off, where it was very disappointing not to be out there and being able to play a role for the team.
"I don't really feel like I need to make a decision about next year.
"This year was just about getting back and seeing how I felt. Now it's about continuing that form and trying to keep getting better."
Goodes has been subbed out of some games as he finds his feet and says he would like to start increasing his game time as the year progresses.
He is also more than pleased with the current contribution from indigenous athletes to Australian football.
Reluctant to single anyone out in particular, he hopes a player is coming through who will one day break his record.
"That's exactly what you want," he said. "Records are made until someone else breaks them.
"I definitely hope someone comes through and can break the record.
"It is a lot of games, but it's a pat on the back for the way you've gone about your football.
"Looking after your body, the recovery, doing all those little things that sometimes players can find hard to do."
