Sydney Swans coach John Longmire says club champion Adam Goodes will play for the club’s NEAFL side this weekend.
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The Swans have enjoyed a perfect 2-0 start to 2015, but will be without Goodes face crosstown rivals Greater Western Sydney at the SCG on Saturday.
Goodes, a two-time Brownlow Medal winner, was a substitute during Sydney’s win over Port Adelaide in round two and did not come onto the ground until the dying stages.
Longmire said Goodes was due to play the same role against the Giants this weekend, however the 35-year-old wanted to play for the club’s reserves in an attempt to regain match fitness.
“He is a champion of the game and we feel as though he needs to get some match fitness in the reserves instead of playing sub,” Longmire is quoted as saying by the ABC.
“I suggested he start as the sub and he suggested he play in the reserves and get some quality game time and form and fitness.
“Adam is very much team orientated and wants to do whatever role the team wants him to play.”
A two-time premiership winner with the Swans, Goodes was expected to retire at the end of the 2014 season following a stellar career.
However he decided to play on another year, but it now seems his opportunity in the senior side will be limited.
The Swans head into the game after two impressive wins over Essendon and Port Adelaide, however they face a Giants side also unbeaten following wins over St Kilda and Melbourne.
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