Goodes was announced as Australian of the Year in Canberra this afternoon, recognised for his work with indigenous youth in the Goodes O'Loughlin Foundation, which focuses on education, employment and healthy lifestyles and aims to empower the next generation of Indigenous role models in all walks of life.
He was named New South Wales’ Australian of the Year in November last year.
"On behalf of the AFL Commission, our clubs and the wider game, the AFL is delighted and honoured that Adam Goodes has been recognised as the 2014 Australian of the Year," Mr Demetriou said.
"Adam Goodes has been a brilliant player of our game for 15 years but his work off the field as a leading member of our community, seeking to assist and inspire young people, has truly defined him as a great Australian.
"Adam is a great ambassador for his people, the Sydney Swans and our game, and is a leader in reconciliation and bringing all Australian together.
"We congratulate him on his recognition as the Australian of the Year and we know he will continue to lead the way for a better country for all Australians."
Adam Goodes' AFL CV:
- 331 games for the Sydney Swans since 1999 (club record-holder)
- Second-most AFL games behind Andrew McLeod (340 for the Adelaide Crows) by an indigenous player.
- Sydney Swans Premierships 2005 and 2012.
- Brownlow Medal 2003 and 2006.
- Sydney Swans Best and Fairest (Bob Skilton Medal) 2003, 2006 and 2011.
- All Australian 2003, 2006, 2009 and 2011.
- AFL Rising Star and Ron Evans Medal 1999.
Patrick Keane
AFL Media Manager
