The Labor Party has approached retired footballer Adam Goodes about the prospect of running as a candidate at the next federal election.
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Fairfax Media has confirmed Northern Territory Labor Senator and Olympic gold medallist Nova Peris encouraged Goodes to consider a career in politics during a meeting earlier in the year.
"The approach has been made by Nova," a senior Labor source said on Wednesday night.
It is understood that no official approach has been made to the dual Brownlow medallist, but that Opposition Leader Bill Shorten is keen to talk to him.
Goodes is currently overseas. His manager, Lucy Mills, on Wednesday night said she was "not aware" of any approach by Labor, or about any plans for Goodes to go into politics.
Asked about Goodes on Thursday, Mr Shorten said he was a great Australian and he would be "an adornment to any political party".
"I was outraged when I saw some of the reaction against him when he was playing football..." he said.
"He would be an adornment to any political party but I think he has plenty of other things on his mind at the moment.
"Australian politics will always benefit by inclusion of more significant and great Australians. He is certainly one of them."
The star footballer retired in September following the Swans' semi-final loss to North Melbourne, after 372 games and a booing saga that rocked the AFL this season.
There has long been speculation about Labor and the Greens wanting to recruit Goodes. Fairfax Media reported last week that he had been mooted as a potential Greens candidate in the Sydney seat of Grayndler.
In 2013, Goodes revealed an interest a political career after football but said he had no affinity with any particular party. The anti-racism crusader and outspoken indigenous rights campaigner said he felt most strongly about the environment and education.
But three months before he retired, the former Australian of the year said he had no interest in entering politics. "I'm definitely not interested in party politics, definitely not interested in stepping into that arena," he said at the time.
Goodes recently signed a lucrative sponsorship deal to become an ambassador for department store giant David Jones, which would likely be incompatible with entering politics.
Ms Peris and Mr Shorten's offices did not respond to requests for comment from Fairfax Media on Wednesday night.
