This week however, the 259-game star was honoured for his work off the field.
Goodes was formally recognised as the New South Wales Volunteer Ambassador of the Year for 2010.
Goodes is a passionate volunteer who has actively worked with Indigenous youth in areas of health, education and employment.
In 2009 he established the Goodes-O'Loughlin Foundation with former Swans teammate Michael O'Loughlin. The foundation aims to equip young Indigenous Australians to make informed decisions regarding their lifestyle and career.
Goodes said volunteering was rewarding and encouraged everyone to get involved.
“For me personally, part of my upbringing and culture has always been about helping other people, whether it be through volunteering or just helping people after training, it’s an absolute pleasure to help give myself and help others,” he said.
“For people who are out there and wanting to do more in the community, volunteering is a great place to start and is extremely rewarding from both sides.”
Goodes said that while volunteers rarely seek accolades or acknowledgement, it was important they be recognised for their tireless work in the community.
“I’d like to encourage people in NSW who are volunteering and people who know them in the community to nominate for the Volunteer of the Year Awards because there are a lot of people out there who do fantastic volunteer work and a little bit of support and acknowledgment goes a long way,” he said.
If you know a volunteer and would to nominate them for the 2010 NSW Volunteer of the Year Awards, please visit www.volunteering.com.au.
Meanwhile, as the Swans prepare to take on the Western Bulldogs and former Swan Barry Hall in Canberra this weekend, Goodes said the team’s new look forward line was prepared for the challenge.
“I think the forward line has been really unpredictable this year. I think it's great for all the players who have played down there and good the for the midfielders running out of the middle that they’re not drawn to that one key player,”
“With the structure now we’ve got a lot of different players down there who can lead at different angles and bring different things to the table,” Goodes said.
The Swans travel to Canberra and hope to turn the tables on the Bulldogs who have won the last four encounters between the two teams.
