AFL CEO Gillon McLachlan says the game needs Adam Goodes playing and hopes the Sydney champion has not played his last match.
Goodes has pulled out of Sydney's clash with Adelaide at the SCG on Saturday as a result of being on the receiving end of incessant booing from football fans.
The dual Brownlow medallist believes the booing is racially motivated and has taken extended leave from his club.
It's not clear when or if he will return and while the Swans hierarchy told the media on Thursday they were optimistic Goodes would play again this season, they couldn't guarantee it.
"I certainly hope not," McLachlan said of the prospect of Goodes giving the game away as a result of the ongoing booing.
"I hope he's getting the rest he needs and we see him back strong.
"We know that he's hurt and he's feeling hurt by this situation.
"He's a legend of our game and we want him playing and we need him playing."
McLachlan was disappointed that Goodes decided not to play against the Crows but was heartened by gestures of support for the 35-year-old from rival clubs, including Richmond who will wear their Indigenous Round jumper against Hawthorn on Friday night and the Western Bulldogs who will do the same on Sunday.
"Our clubs are rallying together behind Adam and there's a whole series of things they're doing," he said.
"Our industry comes together in tough times and that's what's happening and of course I support what our clubs are doing.
"It sends a strong message for Adam and for the hurt that he's feeling."
