Sydney's retired great Adam Goodes spurned an approach by Essendon, who were interested in recruiting the former champion as a top-up player.

Fairfax Media has confirmed the Bombers approached Goodes' management about him joining the club, as it gradually signs the short-term top-up players to replace the dozen suspended for doping offences.

Adam Goodes makes a lot of people uncomfortable by being a proud black man. Credit:Getty Images

Goodes, who announced his retirement immediately after Sydney's 2015 finals loss to North Melbourne, wasn't interested in coming out of retirement and was quick to rule out joining Essendon.

In sounding out Goodes, the Dons were casting the net wide in order to land the best possible short-term recruits. They have already signed seven of the 10 they are allowed to recruit, and have placed a premium on experience by signing four players aged 30 or over, plus a 28-year-old.