And Goodwin says his gambling problem would have taken him down a dangerous and life-threatening path if not for the support of the football club.
In 2007, Goodwin was fined $40,000 ($20,000 suspended) when it was revealed he placed four bets totalling more than $16,000 on AFL matches.
The 33-year-old acknowledged he had a problem and enrolled in an intense rehabilitation and counselling program.
The club made exceptions for the five-time All-Australian, allowing him to train away from the main group before and after his rehab commitments.
On Tuesday, Goodwin issued an emotional thank you to coach Neil Craig and chief executive Steven Trigg, saying that he didn’t know where he would be without the pair’s concern and understanding.
“It (the gambling situation) would have been a lot tougher without the support of the club and I certainly would have gone down a path that would have been a lot more dangerous and almost life-threatening for a whole range of reasons,” Goodwin said.
“The support network here has been unbelievable … it’s changed my life around. My gambling was spiralling out of control and I owe this football club a lot. It owes me nothing.”
Despite his well-publicised addiction Goodwin was named successor to good mate Mark Ricciuto as the Crows captain when the Brownlow medallist retired at the end of 2007.
Craig said Goodwin’s ability to earn back the respect of his teammates and be appointed captain of the club was a reflection of the four-time All-Australian’s character.
“Simon has been an exceptional individual, an exceptional player and I would suggest the greatest captain this football club has ever had,” Craig said.
“One, because of the way he’s achieved it and what he’s had to come through, and also because Simon is currently playing in one of the most difficult times ever in an AFL situation because of a whole range of issues,” Craig said.
“I think Simon’s greatest legacy is that he’s become such a great role model and people often question that because of Simon’s gambling situation, which he’s been able to come through.
“At one stage it was suggested that he should exit our football club and (he’s gone from that) to being the captain of our football club…I think that sums up Simon Goodwin.”
