Australian Rules footballer who played for more than 16 years and holds an elite place in AFL/VFL history. He retired from AFL in 2015, leaving the field as the Swans’ games record holder on 372, and was one of the most decorated players of all time. Some of the many accolades Mr Goodes received during his career include: the prestigious Rising Star medal in his debut year (1999); leading his team as co-captain (2009- 2012); celebrating premierships (2005 and 2012); and being awarded the AFL’s highest honour, the Brownlow Medal which he won twice (in 2003 and 2006).
An Andyamathanha and Norungga man born in Wallaroo South Australia, Mr Goodes is proud of his heritage and passionate about eliminating discrimination in society. His commitment to invigorate support pathways for communities led to the creation of the Goodes-O’Loughlin Foundation (GO Foundation) with fellow Indigenous teammate Michael O’Loughlin to create opportunities for Indigenous youth through education.
Mr Goodes is also Chief Executive Officer of the Indigenous Defence Consortium which was established to help Indigenous businesses and entrepreneurs capitalise on the National Innovation and Science Agenda by delivering skills, innovations, services and supplies to Australian infrastructure projects in the defence sector.
Mr Goodes was named the 2014 Australian of the Year in recognition of his empowering the next generation of Indigenous role models and as an advocate for the fight against racism.
