ADAM GOODES has told Sydney Swans coach John Longmire he'd rather play reserves in the NEAFL than wear the subs vest for a second straight game.

The dual Brownlow medallist started the season poorly against Essendon and started the game in the green vest against Port Adelaide last week.

Longmire said it was no surprise that Goodes had chosen the option given his character and willingness to put the club before his own interests.

The 2012 premiership coach denied there has been any discussion between himself and Goodes about the champ retiring.

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"We want him to keep going, and he's keen to keep going. We think he's still got a valuable role to play for us this year," Longmire said.

"We still think he can play the sub role this year, we still think he can play in our 21 this year, and will, but at this point in time he thought that a good hitout would be best for him.

"We know that things can change really quickly, as far as injury and form, and we're certainly mindful of that, and so is Adam.

"Those opportunities come up when you least expect them, and we want him playing well and in good form to be able to grab those opportunities when they present themselves."

While the footy world might be shocked that one of the most decorated players in the modern era has virtually axed himself from the Swans' line-up, Longmire isn't.

The 2012 premiership coach believes Goodes' decision shows the character of the 2014 Australian of the Year, and that the 35 year-old has always put the club before his own interests.

"When you know Adam, you know he's a pretty balanced person," Longmire said.

"He wants to play any role he can that the team requires him to play, and he's got a very well-rounded view on that."

The pacy Ben McGlynn could be the replacement for Goodes after he made a successful return from a hamstring injury in the NEAFL last weekend.

McGlynn had 20 possessions for the Swans' reserves in a comfortable win over Ainslie in Canberra, and pulled up well from the match.

"He's not far away, we know he's a quality runner and a really hard nut, and that certainly helps his cause," Longmire said.

Prolific ball-winners Tom Mitchell and Daniel Robinson – who is yet to make his senior debut – are other candidates to come into the Swans' 22 to face the Giants this Saturday at the SCG.

The NEAFL game, featuring Goodes, will be the curtain-raiser to that clash.