ONLY three weeks ago, Sydney coach Paul Roos described Adam Goodes's AFL form as a massive concern.
Last night, the concern was all with Dream Team coach Mark Williams as Goodes helped spark Victoria in the Hall of Fame tribute match.
Williams, a strong advocate of indigenous players in the league, had said he was looking forward to seeing what influence they would have on the game.
Goodes' input during the second term was massive.
The two-time Brownlow medallist had been one half of one of the most anticipated match-ups of the game at the opening bounce, when Goodes started on a wing against the in-form Matthew Richardson.
Goodes only had one possession in the first term, but Richardson then went forward and the Swans utility suddenly looked like no one was opposed to him anymore.
He picked up eight possessions in the second term as the Big V went from 10 points down at quarter-time to eight points ahead at the main break.
He crossed paths with Richardson again at one stage during the second quarter, taking a big defensive mark over the Richmond star in the goalsquare.
Not many players take a big grab over "Richo".
Every time Goodes touched the ball, he was putting a teammate in a better position.
It was much like his response to Roos's public criticism. A week after struggling against Geelong, which prompted Roos's comments, Goodes was best afield in the controversial draw with North Melbourne.
Goodes wasn't quite as prominent in last week's loss to the Western Bulldogs but finished the match strongly.
And as he showed last night, when Goodes is up, he is nearly peerless.
Goodes was the only indigenous player among the Vics, while the Dream Team glittered with aboriginal class and all eight contributed.
Star forward Lance Franklin kicked three first-half goals and threatened to tear the game apart. Small forward Leon Davis also kicked three, while Daniel Motlop and Mathew Stokes bobbed up in the third term as the Dream Team rallied.
Peter Burgoyne was outstanding, either across half-back or in the middle and brother Shaun was similarly prolific on the ball.
Burgoyne, Graham Johncock and captain Andrew McLeod put the Dream Team ahead again.
Franklin kicked his fourth to get the Dream Team to within six but the Vics prevailed.
Source: The Sun-Herald

