Goodes was named the 2014 Australian of the Year in Canberra on Saturday, recognised for his work with indigenous youth through the Goodes O'Loughlin Foundation.
While he intends to use the platform to speak up about issues he is passionate about, the former Swans captain says his experience in handling responsibility will safeguard his football form.
"It's nothing I haven't dealt with before – having lots of responsibilities – balance is always key and football will always come first because that's my job," Goodes said.
"I'm out of contract at the end of this year so I really want to make this a really big season for me.
"I really want to make sure I give myself every opportunity to be the best I can on the footy field.
"But saying that, this is a really important year for me to use this platform, take those opportunities when I can to talk out and talk about things that I'm passionate about.
"That'll balance each other out and result in a good year."
Season 2014 holds extra importance for the 34-year-old given his expiring contract.
After a knee injury kept him to just 12 games last year, a similar season could make this his last.
Goodes said he was aware of his situation but would avoid talking about his future until the end of 2014.
"I've had discussions with the club and we've decided that we'll wait until the end of the year to talk about contracts," he said.
"So that's nothing to worry about there, which is good, because it means I can focus on my body and just playing a healthy season.
"I think you should approach every year like it's your last year, that's how you keep driving yourself.
"This is another season where I've got another opportunity to get back to the MCG [on Grand Final day] and [the] goal for me is to be part of another successful season."
Despite the knee injury hampering his pre-season, Goodes will join his teammates on a four-day training camp to Coffs Harbour this week.
He only began running again in January and is yet to progress to full training.
Regardless, Goodes said he still aimed to play in the Swans' round one clash against Greater Western Sydney on March 15.
"It's going fantastically well; I've been running for the last five weeks now and I'm really keen to get out there and do some skills with the players," he said.
"It feels like it's been so, so long [since] I've done that and I'm feeling really fit.
"Just looking forward to going on camp tomorrow with the boys up to Coffs Harbour and hopefully next week or two I'll be out there doing some skills."
Twitter: @AFL_Harry
