Dual Brownlow Medal winner in call to arms for Swans
SYDNEY co-captain Adam Goodes has delivered an impassioned plea to his team to embrace the Swans' 'Bloods' culture to deliver continued on-field success.
Goodes, speaking to more than 500 people at the Swans' season launch on Wednesday night, made the parallel between his understanding his Aboriginal heritage and fostering the club's renowned ethos, with self-sacrifice central to that theme.
"I had fantastic role models here in Mick O'Loughlin, Troy Cook and Robbie Ahmat to help support me and mentor me in Sydney ... I was surrounded by my brothers, but I still didn't know what it was," he said. "I didn't know where I came from, or the history of my people, or what my culture actually looked like. So I enrolled in TAFE and started my education into what it was to be Aboriginal.
"From being involved in this community, I have learned a lot about how my Indigenous ancestors and family members used to live. I feel a strong connection to this community, like I belong."
The dual Brownlow Medal winner Goodes said being a part of the Swans was a learning experience the continues with every day.
"I am a custodian of our group, and of our culture. I have many different roles that I can do for the group, and most importantly, I can pass it on to the next generation," he said.
DARREN MONCRIEFF
Darren@AboriginalFootball.com.au
Friday, March 20, 2009
Last Modified on 20/03/2009 02:28