Born in South Australia, raised in Victoria, Adam Goodes says he won't feel compromised or conflicted by donning the Big V in the Hall of Fame Tribute match at the MCG.
Goodes relates strongly to his South Australian Aboriginal heritage by referring to himself as a 'Nunga', prompting jealous rumbles from west of the border that the dual Brownlow Medallist should be lining up for the Dream Team on Saturday night.
"I see myself as a very proud Nunga boy," Goodes said on Friday morning after a brief training run at the MCG.
"I didn't play any football in SA - I played soccer growing up - then moved to Victoria and played for Vic Country Under-15s, 16s and 18s, so I'm very proud to be wearing the Big V this weekend."
"I'm South Australian, that's where I was born and my clan is Nunga - I don't see myself as Koori, which Victorian (Aboriginal) people do."
"I'm just happy to be playing for the Big V this weekend."
Goodes said he was looking forward to going head-to-head on a wing with Matthew Richardson, one of several exciting match-ups in prospect in the match to celebrate 150 years of Australian football.
While he said he was looking forward to being able to express himself and play with freedom on the night, he's not prepared to temper his competitive instincts.
Asked what he'd do if any of his Sydney team-mates, such as Dream Team defender Craig Bolton, should happen to be wide open, Goodes said: "You just play the footy and if they get in the way then it's like any normal contest in any other game during the season."
"Sure there'll be some bragging rights back in the change rooms when you get to your home club so you want to put on a good show."