THIS time there were only cheers for Adam Goodes.

Sydney Swans' all- time games record holder got a rousing reception on Saturday, as the Swans supporters finally got the chance to give him the thanks they were denied, when he announced his retirement after last season's semi-final loss.

Goodes and ruckman Mike Pyke were acclaimed by the SCG crowd at half-time of the ninth Sydney derby between the Swans and Giants.

The boos for Goodes that marred so many games in his final season seemed a distant memory.

As the pair completed their lap of honour the chant of 'Goodesy' reverberated around the famous old venue.

Goodes shook the hand of former teammate Barry Hall, who now works on television.

Pyke and Goodes could hardly have come from more different sporting and cultural backgrounds,

Goodes the proud indigenous warrior who started off playing soccer; Pyke the former Canadian Test rugby back, who scored a long distance try against the mighty All Blacks, before chancing his arm at Australian rules.

Pyke was joined on the walk by his two young children, one of whom he carried, as they walked around the SCG to the strains of Aloe Blacc's "The Man".

Among the spectators at the SCG on Saturday was AFL boss Gillon McLachlan, who earlier in the week Goodes credited with helping him get closure on the turbulent final season of his career.

Although Sydney Swans coach John Longmire, who was not able to witness the half-time farewell given he was in the rooms dishing out instructions to the team, said it was a great farewell for the veteran footballer.

"From what I hear it was fantastic," Longmire said.

"That's terrific to see. For Adam to come onto the SCG and thank the supporters who have been following him for 18 years is a great thrill that he will really appreciate I reckon for the rest of his life."

Longmire said he spoke to Goodes earlier in the week and it was clear from their conversation the now retired AFL footballer was ""really enjoying life at the moment".

"He has been here there and everywhere, which is terrific to see," Longmire said.