The Sydney Swans have unveiled a bronze sculpture of Indigenous superstar Adam Goodes out the front of the Swans’ new headquarters.
Hours before Sydney’s Friday night clash with Carlton at the SCG, a statue of Goodes performing his famous Indigenous war cry in 2015 was made public.
Goodes was there for the unveiling at Moore Park, but after distancing himself from the AFL following his painful exit from the game eight years ago, the dual Brownlow medallist wanted no attention about it prior to the low-key ceremony.
Goodes’ former Swans teammate and fellow Indigenous champion Michael O’Loughlin showcased the statue alongside benefactor Basil Sellars.
Former First Nations Swans players, as well as members of the current AFL and AFLW teams were also in attendance with the 372-game great.
“As far as we’re concerned it’s an iconic moment and an iconic person,” Sellars said.
The sculpture was created by artist Cathy Weiszmann, who worked closely with Goodes to recreate the dance from the round nine match at the SCG in 2015.
The dual Swans premiership player has stayed in contact with the club since his retirement but remains distraught about the AFL’s treatment of him during the infamous booing saga that marred his final season in 2015.
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Goodes has repeatedly knocked back an invitation to be inducted into the Australian Football Hall of Fame, where he could one day be elevated to legend status if he accepts.
The 43-year-old last year attended the Swans’ 10-year premiership reunion of the club’s 2012 grand final victory, but has mostly focused on pursuits outside football since retiring.