Sydney star Adam Goodes wants to stay active to keep eradicating racism Adam Goodes returns to training after being named 2014 Australian of the Year. THERE will be no rest for the Australian of the year Adam Goodes who plans to follow the lead of last year's winner Ita Buttrose and use the award to create greater awareness of the cause he holds dear, eradicating racism. Buttrose spent much of last year generating publicity and funding for the research and treatment of Alzheimer's disease. "You look at Ita Buttrose and the fantastic work she was able to do raising awareness of dementia, you can do absolutely whatever you want with the award," Goodes said. It's a great platform to continue to do the fantastic work you are doing. I am continuing lead the charge encouraging those conversations about racism and standing up for what I believe in. Taking every opportunity to talk to young kids at school and to talk to businesses I'll take those opportunities when I can. Goodes was back at Swans training yesterday after becoming the first AFL footballer to receive the title of Australian of the year and the first sportsman since Steve Waugh in 2004 to be honoured with the award. "It still feels quite amazing, the honour of it all," Goodes said. I'm really proud to be part of that group (finalists). The dual premiership player also paid tribute to his mother Lisa May Goodes. "It's well documented how tough mum's life is and these things along the way it makes her so proud," Goodes said. There is no other person I would rather have there on the night. The Swans champion had a taste of the responsibilities associated with the role over the Australia Day long weekend with a host of commitments in Canberra, Melbourne and Sydney. He remains confident he can juggle the demands of his new role along with the commitments of an AFL footballer. "Balance is the key and football will always come first," Goodes said. I'm out of contract at the end of the year so I really want to make this a big season for me. I only played half the season last year, I'm really disappointed about that and I really want to give myself every opportunity to be my best on the footy field. The dual Brownlow medallist was the subject of a racial slur last year when a 13 year old girl called him an 'ape' during a match against Collingwood at the MCG. Five days later Magpies President Eddie McGuire linked him to the promotion of King Kong the musical. Despite the incidents the 34 year old believes on-field racism in the AFL is virtually gone but it's off the field where action is still needed. "The casual racism is more at BBQ's and social events and walking in the street," Goodes said. It's the stuff people think is funny but certainly isn't. What I'm trying to do is encourage people to have that conversation, hey mate that's not acceptable, it's a bit off and I would appreciate you not making those comments around me. Adam Goodes poses for a portrait after being announced as the 2014 Australian of the Year at Parliament House. After rarely missing a game in his first 14 years in the AFL Goodes played just 12 games last year before injuring his knee in the round 13 match against Port Adelaide. He hasn't played since but say's he'll be ready for round one. "It's (his knee) fantastically well," Goodes said. I've been running for the last five weeks. I'm really keen to get out and do some skills with the players. I'm feeling really fit. At the age of 34 and with injuries taking their toll 2014 is likely to be his last season. Goodes contract with the Swans finishes at the end of the year and there won't be any negotiations till then. "I've had discussions with the club and we've decided we'll wait till the end of the year to talk about contracts so that's nothing to worry about there," Goodes said. It means I can focus on my body and playing a healthy season. I think you should approach every year like it's your last, that's how you keep driving yourself, you don't look past it. This is another season where I have a chance to get back to the MCG. Goodes put the superstar recruit on notice before he arrived about the way he presented at pre-season training. The former Hawk hasn't let him down with his strong work ethic and positive attitude. "Buddy needed to earn the respect of the players and he has certainly done that through his hard work and training," Goodes said. I've been really happy with the way he has approached the training he's like any new player who has come to the club over the years coming in an absorbing the culture. He's coming in and working hard and getting fit. He's a fantastic athlete can take high marks and kick goals from anywhere. Lance Franklin during Sydney Swans training at Moore Park in Sydney. 2014 Adam Goodes 2004 Steve Waugh 2002 Pat Rafter 1999 Mark Taylor 1998 Cathy Freeman (1990 Young AOY) 1994 Ian Kiernan 1989 Allan Border 1988 Kay Cottee 1983 Rob de Castella 1972 Shane Gould 1971 Evonne Goolagong 1968 Lionel Rose 1967 Jack Brabham 1964 Dawn Fraser 1962 Jock Sturrock