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Adam Goodes and Jarrad McVeigh at training back in 2014.Credit:Nic Walker

In a rare interview withthe Herald last week,Goodes revealed that his love of the game"died"inside him as crowds around the country turned on him.

It was a stark revelation,coming on the back of two documentaries -The Final QuarterandThe Australian Dream - which revisit in powerful detail the booing saga that orbited Goodes and the Swans. But it was not news to McVeigh and Jack,who have long been aware that Goodes'affinity for the sport he excelled at was no longer there.

"We were fortunate to go to the premiere the other night ofThe Australian Dream and it hit home again for us. It's sad,because he loved footy so much and loved entertaining out there,"McVeigh said.

"The fact that he can't come to the footy now,or doesn't want to come to the footy,is disappointing."

Swans players Luke Parker,Kieren Jack,Dane Rampe,Josh Kennedy,Nick Smith and Jarrad McVeigh at the premiere of The Australian Dream on Tuesday night.Credit:AAP

"It's just an incredible loss for the game,really,"Jack said."He could be such an incredible asset. We love him. He knows that. We all love him."

Goodes did not get to play a farewell match. He turned down the opportunity to participate in the AFL's grand final motorcade for retiring players.

And whilemore than 26,000 fans have signed a petition for the AFL to invite Goodes to do his lap of the MCG this year,it will not be happening anytime soon - if ever.

The love Goodes has for the Swans,however,endures and he still pops into the odd club function to the delight of his ex-teammates. They hope to see him on Saturday.

"And the younger players,when they see him,they're in awe of him. That's the effect he has,"McVeigh said."It's not so much his footy,but what he's doing now is changing lives,which is far more important. That's going to be his legacy,which is incredible.

"If Goodesy ever wants to come back he knows he's always welcome. It's his decision."

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