THERE are few sadder sights in sport than a faded champion, and right now Adam Goodes sits comfortably in that category following news of his axing from Sydney’s team for Round 3.

There is no shame in admitting he has gone a year too long on a 353-game career that began in 1999, for many have gone before him in the world of sport.

Given the nature of the caper there are any number of pugilists, headed by the greatest of all in Muhammad Ali, who became a punching bag in his last four fights.

Few golfers have ever won major after their 45th year yet most continue to play and you could argue that one of our proudest tennis stars in Lleyton Hewitt has gone a year too long.

DROPPED:GOODES TO PLAY RESERVES

FIRING LINE: WHO SHOULD YOUR AFL CLUB DROP?

Goodes, 35, is in that same territory as his body can no longer match his mind, and when a large part of your greatness has been built around an explosive game style, there isn’t a lot left to fall back on.

Should he play in the NEAFL and play well enough to regain his senior position, then retain that spot, my admiration for him (which is already immense) will grow.

Sadly I can’t see that happening unless he has found a way to avoid an urgent appointment with Father Time.