Adam Goodes will remain close to the Sydney Swans after thanking fans for persuading him not to retire midway through a tough final season of his distinguished AFL career.
Friday's emotional Sydney Club Champion dinner was the first time Goodes spoke publicly after announcing his retirement following their semi-final loss to North Melbourne.
Midfielder Josh Kennedy won the Bob Skilton Medal but it was Goodes who the crowd of over 1,000 clearly wanted to hear from most.
He said it had been a tough year, but made no direct reference to the booing and vilification he copped over several weeks from opposing fans, which wore him down and prompted him to stand down for a week in late July.
Goodes revealed it was the support of Swans fans that coaxed him into extending his club record games tally to 372.
"There was no way that I thought I'd come back from that," Goodes said.
"But I'm glad I did because this football club means a lot to me and it's given me a lot of strength and a lot of good memories."
Goodes gave few clues as to his future plans other than revealing he was about to embark on a two-month overseas holiday with his partner Natalie.
"I'm not disappearing, I'm not dying," Goodes said.
"This football club is something that I want to be a part of for the rest of my life.
"I do love this football club, I love the relationships. That's what I'm going to miss the most is the relationships with players.
"Anyone that I played with this year, if you don't take my phone call next year, I'm going to come and knock on your door and go `why didn't you answer my phone calls?'"
Sydney's other retiring player, defender Rhyce Shaw, is joining the club's coaching staff.
It has been speculated ruckman Mike Pyke would also retire but the Canadian made no announcement when he spoke after being recognised for reaching his 100-game milestone.
Coach John Longmire acknowledged the impending departure of Lewis Jetta by saying the club would miss the speedster, who is seeking a trade back to his home state of Western Australia.
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