Adam Goodes is a great man who deserves to be respected by fans and not subjected to booing, the Sydney Swans say.

Sydney chairman Andrew Pridham says booing of Goodes by opposition supporters has been distressing for the dual Brownlow medallist, his family and the Swans.

“All players deserve respect. Paying $30 to come to the football does not give you the right to bully, harass, abuse anybody,” Pridham told a Geelong pre-game function.

“I don’t think he’s a great Aboriginal man. I think he’s a great man,” Pridham added.

As Goodes returns on Saturday night after a week off, Cats and Swans players will run through a shared banner bearing messages about respect, fairness and unity.