Adelaide defender Sarah Goodwin says a boost in confidence on and off the field is behind her consistent run of form.
Goodwin is almost halfway through her second AFLW campaign, after joining the Crows during the 2023 Sign and Trade Period from cross-town rival Port Adelaide.
The 19-year-old has played all three of Adelaide’s matches in 2023, averaging nine disposals, 1.6 marks and three tackles a game.
Speaking to AFC Media, the attacking defender said she had worked hard at earning the respect of her new teammates and cementing a spot in the team.
“(My consistency has come) with a growth in confidence on and off the field and getting my confidence up to play more free,” Goodwin said.
“I’ve just been trying to find my feet in the team.
“All the girls have been good and got around me, especially since we have a young backline at the moment.
“I didn’t want to put too many expectations on myself entering this year but probably the main aim was to just play some consistent footy.”
A product of the Crows Next Generation Academy, Goodwin has been part of a solid defensive unit, which has conceded the second-least points so far this season.
Goodwin said the Crows’ backline has a mix of experience and youth, which was behind its recent success.
“We have a pretty young backline, so it has been good having Bids (Chelsea Biddell), Najwa (Allen) and Randy (Chelsea Randall) back there,” Goodwin said.
“They have been really good for us young girls coming through.
“They allow us to play a little higher knowing we have the support behind us.
“There is good communication between us defenders.”
Adelaide’s 2023 campaign has got off to a perfect start with the side notching three wins from three games.
Goodwin said the extra training sessions during pre-season had helped build camaraderie and it was translating onto the footy field.
“It helped bring us together more and stay really connected as a group leading into the season,” she said.
“Everyone is on the same page and everyone plays for one another.
“There is a strong connection that everyone has on and off the field.”
