Goodes' 'noble banner' hangs high: Ayres

NSW Sport Minister Stuart Ayres says retiring Sydney Swans star Adam Goodes will be remembered for his stance on racism as well as his AFL success.

The 35-year-old dual Brownlow Medallist told his teammates it was time to retire following their semi-final loss to North Melbourne on Saturday.

"His stance on racism and passionate advocacy for indigenous Australians is something all of us can learn from," Mr Ayres said on Sunday.

Mr Ayres said Goodes held back his retirement announcement so he could allow fellow Swan Rhys Shaw to be chaired off after his own final game.

"This probably says as much about Goodesy as anything he did on the field," he said.

"A great player, a quality human being, Adam your noble banner hangs high today."

Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews also paid tribute to the departing star, who took a week off following booing from opposing fans at several away matches before finishing his final season in strong fashion.

"I think the way Adam Goodes has been treated recently was absolutely shameful and I want to congratulate every Victorian and Australian that called out the racism," Mr Andrews told reporters in Melbourne.

"I don't want that to be the way we remember a Brownlow medallist, a champion, the Australian of The Year, a great footballer and a great bloke."