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Sydney co-captain Josh Kennedy says the Swans respect Adam Goodes' decision to reject an offer to be inducted into the Australian Football Hall of Fame

Sydney co-captain Josh Kennedy says the Swans respect Adam Goodes' decision to reject an offer to be inducted into the Australian Football Hall of Fame and believes his premiership teammate will always have a close connection to his former club.

AFL commission chair Richard Goyder confirmed on Tuesday that Goodes had knocked back the nomination and the dual Brownlow medallist had asked for the reasons why not to be detailed.

It prompted a second public apology from the AFL for their failure to call out racism and stand up for Goodes when he was incessantly booed throughout his final three seasons - and especially his final campaign in 2015.

"On a personal level and as a club (we) respect Adam's decision," Kennedy said.

"As far as we're concerned he's a legend of our footy club, he's a legend of the game and he's a legend of a teammate.

"... He's officially a legend of the Swans football club and he would be of the AFL - whether he wants to accept that or not - in our eyes.

"I can't answer that (if Goodes will ever accept the Hall of Fame offer) on behalf of Adam.

"I don't know and it's not my place, I don't think, to say. I'd just reiterate the fact that it doesn't change anything in our eyes - he's an absolute champion."

While disengaged from the AFL since his retirement, Goodes has maintained his association with the Swans.

He was inducted into the club's Hall of Fame in 2019 and was immediately elevated to 'Bloods Legend' status.

"He'd know that he holds a strong place in our hearts and that of everyone that walks through this footy club," Kennedy said.

"I'm sure if you asked him that - and I know in my dealings that he's got a huge connection still with the footy club and the Bloods and I'm sure that will never change."