Sydney superstar Adam Goodes’ record-breaking game might be postponed after being reported during the Swans’ gritty 22-point AFL triumph against Port Adelaide on Saturday.
He faces a rough conduct charge after sliding knees first into Port’s Jacob Surjan during Sydney’s 16.9 (105) to 12.11 (83) victory at AAMI Stadium.
Goodes needs one game to break Michael O’Loughlin’s record for the most played by a Swan.
But the Brownlow medallist could be banned for the second time this year – he was suspended for one match in the NAB Cup for a reckless slide into an opponent.
Goodes was booked by field umpire Troy Pannell after sliding into Surjan during the second quarter on Saturday.
The co-captain attempted to get as low as possible but his knees slid into Surjan, who beat him by a split second for a loose ball.
Surjan was not injured and no Port player remonstrated, though Goodes did give the Power defender a consolation pat after the incident.
Swans coach John Longmire declined to comment about the incident.
“He got reported so I can’t talk about it,” Longmire said.
Goodes equalled O’Loughlin’s mark of 303 games as the Swans overwhelmed Port in the last quarter to remain undefeated after three rounds.
Port, seeking to beat Sydney for the first time in six years, came from 17 points down midway through the third term to trail by just three at the last change.
But the Swans kicked six goals to three in the final term to secure the win.
“Our players really responded to that challenge that was issued to us in the third quarter,” Longmire said.
“They were coming really hard at us at three quarter-time.
“And to our players’ credit, they dug in … our players found another gear in the last quarter.”
The Swans were powered by their generation next – 21-year-old Daniel Hannebery was best afield with 36 disposals; 19-year-old Luke Parker gathered 30 possessions; and emerging star Josh Kennedy, aged 23, collected 27 touches and laid seven tackles.
Another inexperienced Swan, 22-year-old Lewis Jetta, kicked a game-high three goals.
“It’s a good sign for the future,” Longmire said.